Basic Details
Word: Vacillate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To waver or alternate between different opinions or actions; to be indecisive.
Synonyms: Hesitate, oscillate, waver
Antonyms: Decide, resolve, settle
Idioms and Phrases
- Vacillate like a pendulum: To keep changing one's mind back and forth. Example: "When it came to choosing a movie, she would vacillate like a pendulum, unable to make a decision."
- Caught in a vacillate: To be stuck in a situation where one cannot make up their mind. Example: "He was caught in a vacillate about which school to attend, unable to choose."
Usage Examples
Example 1: During the meeting, John began to vacillate about the project direction, causing confusion among the team.
Example 2: Sarah tends to vacillate when faced with important decisions, spending too much time weighing her options.
Example 3: It can be frustrating to see the government vacillate on important policies that affect the community.
Fun Fact
The word "vacillate" comes from the Latin word "vacillare," which means "to sway or hesitate." This reflects the idea of indecision and being unable to settle on one choice.
Famous Quote
"You can't make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen." Michelle Obama. This quote illustrates the importance of decisiveness over vacillation.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "vacillate" mean?
a) To stand firm
b) To waver in decision
c) To run quickly
d) To jump high
Answer: b) To waver in decision
2. Which of these is a synonym of "vacillate"?
a) Decide
b) Oscillate
c) Clarify
d) Conclude
Answer: b) Oscillate
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "vacillate"?
a) Waver
b) Hesitate
c) Resolve
d) Swing
Answer: c) Resolve
4. Which sentence uses "vacillate" correctly?
a) She decided to vacillate and then went straight to sleep.
b) He began to vacillate between two job offers, unsure which one to take.
c) The sun shines bright and vacillates in the sky.
d) The dog likes to vacillate on its bed.
Answer: b) He began to vacillate between two job offers, unsure which one to take.
5. Which idiom suggests someone is indecisive like "vacillate"?
a) Caught in a vacillate
b) As brave as a lion
c) A piece of cake
d) In the same boat
Answer: a) Caught in a vacillate
