Jostles is a verb that means to bump or push roughly against someone or something. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first letter, /dʒ/, represents the 'j' sound in English, followed by the vowel sound /ɒ/, which is similar to the 'o' in 'hot'. Then, the consonant cluster /st/ is pronounced together, followed by the vowel sound /əl/, which is pronounced as a weak 'uh' sound. The final /z/ represents the 's' sound in its plural form.
Jostles is a verb that refers to the act of pushing or shoving someone or something in a crowd, usually as a result of close proximity or competition for space. It involves making forceful and physical contact with another person or object while in motion. Jostling often occurs in crowded places, like bustling marketplaces, sports events, or public transportation, where individuals are maneuvering through tight spaces, trying to reach their destination or desired position.
The word jostles implies a certain level of vigor and intensity in the contact made, often unintentional but sometimes intentional, as people vie for space or to gain an advantage. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a competitive situation or struggles where multiple parties are vying for the same resources or opportunities, and there is a sense of collision or push-and-pull.
Jostles can lead to a disruption of balance or equilibrium for the person or object being pushed or shoved, and it may cause irritation, frustration, or discomfort for those involved. In certain situations, jostles can escalate into more aggressive actions if tempers flare or if the rivalry intensifies. Overall, jostles can be seen as a physical manifestation of the challenges and conflicts that arise in crowded and competitive environments.
The word "jostle" comes from the Old French word "joster" which means "to joust, to tilt" or "to come into conflict". This Old French word likely derived from the Latin word "juxtā", meaning "near" or "next to". The sense of physical pushing or bumping against someone or something in a crowded or restricted space emerged around the 16th century.