Reading Theme:
Swing: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：move back and forth while hanging (swing)
swing
/swɪŋ/
v.
To move back and forth while hanging from a fixed point, like on a playground swing.
move back and forth while hanging
➕
/muːv bæk ənd fɔːrθ waɪl ˈhæŋɪŋ/
v.
To move rhythmically forward and backward while suspended from a fixed point, like on a swing.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'swingan', meaning to beat or rush.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a playground swing moving back and forth, or a pendulum swinging side to side.
📖 Example
The children laughed as they tried to swing higher and higher on the playground.
The children laughed while attempting to swing higher on the playground.
🔗 Collocations
swing on a swing – to use a playground swing
swing back and forth – to move repeatedly in opposite directions
give a swing – to push something to make it swing
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
remain stationary (v.) – to stay in one place without moving
stabilize (v.) – to make or become steady
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Old English 'swingan' (to beat), 'swing' evolved to describe rhythmic motion. In jazz, 'swing' refers to a syncopated rhythm, and in sports like golf, it denotes a specific movement, reflecting its core idea of forceful or pendular action.
Meaning 2：change rapidly and noticeably (swing)
swing
/swɪŋ/
v.
To change quickly and noticeably, like mood, opinion, or the lead in a game.
change rapidly and noticeably
➕
/tʃeɪndʒ ˈræpɪdli ənd ˈnoʊtɪsəbli/
v.
To undergo a quick and significant change, often in mood, opinion, or situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Public opinion can swing rapidly based on new information or major events.
Public opinion can change quickly based on new information or major events.
🔗 Collocations
swing in opinion – a sudden change in public or personal view
swing the vote – to change the outcome of a vote
swing into action – to start acting quickly
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
remain constant (v.) – to stay the same without change
stabilize (v.) – to become steady
🌱 Derivatives
swingy (adj.) – tending to swing or change
swingingly (adv.) – in a swinging manner
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