Pendulum - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A pendulum is a weight suspended from a fixed point that swings back and forth under gravity, often used in clocks to regulate timekeeping. It demonstrates rhythmic motion.
Definition:
A weight suspended from a fixed point, swinging freely under gravity's influence.
Synonyms:
swing, oscillator, bob
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
stillness, stability
Common Collocations:
pendulum clock, pendulum swing, pendulum motion
Derivatives:
pendular, pendulous
Usage Tips:
Use "pendulum" to describe rhythmic back-and-forth motion or metaphorical shifts in opinion or trends.
Common Phrases:
swing of the pendulum, pendulum of fate, pendulum effect
Etymology:
From Latin "pendulus" (hanging), via French "pendule" (clock with a swinging weight).
Examples:
- 1. The pendulum swings slowly in the grandfather clock.
- 2. She watched the pendulum move back and forth with fascination.
- 3. His mood swung like a pendulum between joy and sadness.
- 4. The debate’s outcome was uncertain as opinions swung like a pendulum.