What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oscillate
Example
The pendulum oscillated back and forth. [oscillated: past tense]
Example
The temperature oscillated between hot and cold throughout the day. [oscillated: verb]
vacillate
Example
He vacillated between two options for hours. [vacillated: past tense]
Example
Her feelings towards him vacillated from love to hate. [vacillated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oscillate is less common than vacillate in everyday language. Oscillate is typically used in scientific or technical contexts, while vacillate is more versatile and can be used in personal, social, or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oscillate and vacillate?
Oscillate is more formal than vacillate. Due to its technical connotations, oscillate is often used in academic or professional settings, while vacillate is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
