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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)



11 words match “FLUCTUATE”

FLUCTUATE v. 3 definitions
To cause to move as a wave; to put in motion. [R.] And fluctuate all the still perfume. Tennyson.
BALANCE v.
To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate. He would not balance or err in the determination of his choice. Locke.
FLUCTUABILITY n.
The capacity or ability to fluctuate. [R.] H. Walpole.
OSCILLATE v.
To vary or fluctuate between fixed limits; to act or move in a fickle or fluctuating manner; to change repeatedly, back and forth. The amount of superior families oscillates rather than changes, that is, it fluctuates within fixed limits. Dc Quincey.
TRIM v.
To balance; to fluctuate between parties, so as to appear to favor each.
TRIMMER n.
One who does not adopt extreme opinions in politics, or the like; one who fluctuates between parties, so as to appear to favor each; a timeserver. Thus Halifax was a trimmer on principle. Macaulay.
VACILLATE v.
To fluctuate in mind or opinion; to be unsteady or inconstant; to waver.
VACILLATING a.
Inclined to fluctuate; wavering. Tennyson. -- Vac"il*la`ting*ly, adv.
VIBRATE v.
To pass from one state to another; to waver; to fluctuate; as, a man vibrates between two opinions.
WAVE v.
To fluctuate; to waver; to be in an unsettled state; to vacillate. [Obs.] He waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neither good nor harm. Shak.
WAVER v.
To be unsettled in opinion; to vacillate; to be undetermined; to fluctuate; as, to water in judgment. Let us hold fast . . . without wavering. Heb. x. 23. In feeble hearts, propense enough before To waver, or fall off and join with idols. Milton.