swinging
/'swiɳiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Characterized by a lively, rhythmic motion: Describes movement that has a regular, often graceful, back-and-forth or side-to-side rhythm.
- Lively, energetic, and exciting: Describes an atmosphere, lifestyle, or period that is vibrant, uninhibited, and often associated with social freedom.
Noun:
- The act of moving back and forth: The action of oscillating or moving in a smooth, curving motion, often from a fixed point.
Usage and Examples
Adjective:
- The dancers moved with a swinging rhythm that captivated the audience.
- They lived in a swinging part of the city, full of jazz clubs and artists.
- She walked with a swinging gait, full of confidence.
Noun:
- The swinging of the pendulum was perfectly regular.
- He enjoyed the gentle swinging of the hammock.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
"Swinging" as a cultural reference: In mid-20th century context, it can refer specifically to the lively, fashionable culture of a particular time and place (e.g., "swinging London" in the 1960s).
- The documentary explored the music and fashion of swinging London.
In mechanics/physics: Refers to oscillatory motion.
- The engineer calculated the period of the bridge's swinging.
Variants and Related Words
- Swing (verb/noun): The base form. To move back and forth; a seat suspended by ropes or chains for swinging on.
- Swingy (adjective): An informal variant meaning having a swinging rhythm or character.
- The band played a swingy tune.
Synonyms
- Adjective (rhythmic): Lilting, rhythmic, cadenced.
- Adjective (lively): Vibrant, bustling, lively, energetic.
- Noun: Oscillation, swaying, rocking.
Related Phrases and Phrasal Verbs
Swing into action: To start doing something quickly and energetically.
- As soon as the alarm sounded, the team swung into action.
Swing by: To visit a place briefly.
- I'll swing by your office later to drop off the documents.
Idioms
In full swing: At the peak of activity.
- By midnight, the party was in full swing.
What you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts: (UK) A proverb meaning that losses in one area are balanced by gains in another.
- The business is unpredictable, but what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts.
Adjective
- characterized by a buoyant rhythm
- an easy lilting stride
- the flute broke into a light lilting air
- a swinging pace
- a graceful swingy walk
- a tripping singing measure
Noun
- changing location by moving back and forth