pendulum

[ˈpɛndjʊləm]

pendulum Definition

• 1. 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.
• 2. a 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

• oscillator
• metronome
• regulator
• timekeeper

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'

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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.