vacillation — the inability to decide between different opinions or actions; indecision
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the inability to decide between different opinions or actions; indecision
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌvæsəˈleɪʃən/
Example Sentences
- His vacillation between studying medicine and art drove his parents crazy.
- The CEO's vacillation about the merger made the stock price bounce like a ping-pong ball.
- My vacillation at the ice cream shop lasted so long that three flavors melted.
vacillation
NOUN[/ˌvæsəˈleɪʃən/]
the inability to decide between different opinions or actions; indecision
His constant vacillation made it impossible to choose between the two roads.
His vacillation made him walk back and forth instead of opening either door. ("Yes... No... Yes... No..." → That's vacillation.)
Her vacillation turned into hesitation, delaying her destination until sunset.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Vacillation derives from Latin vacillare, meaning 'to sway, waver, or totter,' originally used to describe physical movement like branches swaying in the wind. The word evolved to express metaphorical indecision and hesitation in decision-making.
Breakdown
vacill- (from Latin vacillare, meaning to sway or waver) + -ation (noun suffix denoting an action or state).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His vacillation between studying medicine and art drove his parents crazy.”
“The CEO's vacillation about the merger made the stock price bounce like a ping-pong ball.”
“My vacillation at the ice cream shop lasted so long that three flavors melted.”
“Political vacillation on climate policy has delayed important environmental reforms.”
📚Related Words
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