a weight hung from a fixed point so that it can swing freely backward and forward, especially a rod with a weight at the end that regulates the mechanism of a clock., a situation in which something regularly changes from one extreme to another

Formal and Informal Expressions of pendulum

In different contexts, you can replace 'pendulum' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'oscillator, regulator' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'swinger, ticker' is a commonplace synonym.

pendulum: Explore its Definition & Usage

pendulum Definition

1a weight hung from a fixed point so that it can swing freely backward and forward, especially a rod with a weight at the end that regulates the mechanism of a clock.
2a situation in which something regularly changes from one extreme to another

Using pendulum: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pendulum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The pendulum of the clock swung back and forth.
Example
The political pendulum has swung from left to right over the years.
Example
The economy seems to be in a constant state of pendulum swings between boom and bust.

pendulum Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pendulum

Phrases with pendulum

set the pendulum swinging
to initiate a process or event that will continue for some time
Example
The new policy set the pendulum swinging towards a more sustainable future.
pendulum effect
the tendency of a situation to swing from one extreme to another
Example
The pendulum effect of the stock market can be difficult to predict.
pendulum motion
the regular back-and-forth movement of a pendulum
Example
The pendulum motion of the grandfather clock was soothing to listen to.

Origins of pendulum

from Latin 'pendulus', meaning 'hanging'

📌

Summary: pendulum in Brief

A 'pendulum' [ˈpɛndjʊləm] is a weight hung from a fixed point that swings freely, often used in clocks. It also refers to a situation that regularly changes from one extreme to another, as in 'The political pendulum has swung from left to right over the years.' Phrases like 'set the pendulum swinging' denote initiating a process, while 'pendulum effect' describes the tendency of a situation to swing from one extreme to another.