sway
|sway|
B2
/sweɪ/
rhythmic movement or influence
Etymology
Etymology Information
'sway' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'sveigja,' where 'sveig-' meant 'to bend or turn.'
Historical Evolution
'sveigja' transformed into the Middle English word 'swayen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sway.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to bend or turn,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to move rhythmically' and 'to influence.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a rhythmical movement from side to side.
The gentle sway of the boat was calming.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to move slowly or rhythmically backward and forward or from side to side.
The trees swayed in the wind.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39