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sway

verb

/sweɪ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of sway

To move or oscillate gently from side to side or back and forth.
"The persuasive speaker has the power to sway the opinions of his audience."

Detailed meaning of sway

It is often associated with a rhythmic or swaying motion, resembling the movement of a pendulum or the gentle swaying of a tree branch in the wind. This verb can also indicate the influence or power to persuade or affect someone's opinions, beliefs, or decisions. When used in this context, it implies the ability to sway or convince others through subtle or persuasive means, often through emotional or charismatic appeal. Overall, "sway" conveys the notion of controlled movement or influence, suggesting a gentle but noticeable impact on either physical objects or individuals' thoughts and actions.

Example sentences containing sway

1. The pendulum will sway back and forth when the clock is in motion.
2. As the crowd chants, their energy begins to sway the atmosphere of the stadium.
3. The branches of the old oak sway ominously during thunderstorms.
4. I watch in awe as the tall sunflowers sway in sync with the breeze.
5. A hypnotist can sometimes sway a person's actions with mere suggestions.
6. The hammock sway with the weight of the sleeping cat.

History and etymology of sway

The verb 'sway' has its etymological roots in Old English, where it was originally spelled as 'swaeg.' This Old English term meant to move or incline in a swaying or sweeping manner, often referring to the gentle rocking or oscillating motion of objects. The word 'sway' evolved from the Proto-Germanic base 'swaigan,' which conveyed a similar sense of swaying or bending. Over time, 'sway' has come to represent the act of moving or oscillating gently from side to side or back and forth, whether describing the swaying of tree branches in the wind, the rhythmic motion of a ship at sea, or the graceful sway of a dancer's body.

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Further usage examples of sway

1. The company will sway market trends with its innovative products.
2. The choir's harmonious voices sway the emotions of everyone in the room.
3. The politicians will sway policy decisions through clever negotiations.
4. As she walks down the aisle, the bride's veil sway with grace and elegance.
5. The kelp in the ocean sway with the currents, creating an underwater ballet.
6. The trees began to sway in the breeze.
7. Her graceful dance made the audience sway with emotion.
8. The boat started to sway as the waves grew larger.
9. The tall grasses sway in the wind like waves in the ocean.
10. The pendulum of the grandfather clock continued to sway.
11. The music's rhythm made everyone sway to the beat.
12. The bridge swayed as the heavy trucks passed over it.
13. He couldn't resist the urge to sway to the music's melody.
14. The palm trees sway gently in the tropical breeze.
15. The field of sunflowers swayed in unison in the wind.
16. The reeds by the pond sway with the slightest touch.
17. The politician tried to sway the crowd with his speech.
18. The hammock started to sway as she settled into it.
19. The curtains sway as the wind enters through the window.
20. The lighthouse's beam of light sways across the sea.
21. The wheat fields sway like a golden ocean in the wind.
22. The hypnotic rhythm of the train made her sway gently.
23. The flagpole began to sway in the strong gusts of wind.
24. The flowers in the garden sway in the afternoon sun.
25. The cradle rocked back and forth, causing the baby to sway.