SWAY Meaning and
Definition
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Sway, as a verb, refers to the act of moving slowly or rhythmically from side to side or back and forth, typically in a gentle, graceful, or seductive manner. It conveys the idea of a gentle back-and-forth motion like the swaying of a tree branch in the wind or the swaying of a dancer's body. Sway can also signify influencing or persuading someone to change their opinion, attitude, or behavior by presenting arguments, evidence, or emotional appeals. It reflects the power to move or persuade someone gradually with a light touch, without the use of force or aggression.
As a noun, sway refers to the act of swaying or the state of being swayed. It can indicate a particular movement or motion, such as the swaying of a ship on the water or the swaying of a crowd during a concert. Sway can also denote power or influence, particularly in the context of control or dominance over a situation, group, or person. It encapsulates the ability to direct or guide the course of events, opinions, or actions according to one's will or authority.
In summary, sway encompasses both physical and metaphorical notions. Physically, it embodies a gentle, rhythmic motion, while metaphorically, it encompasses the power to influence, persuade, or control. Whether describing the movement of objects, individuals, or ideas, sway implies a graceful, compelling, and often gradual influence over others.
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• To move backwards and forwards freely in the hand; to wave or swing; to influence or direct by power or force; to hang in a heavy unsteady manner; to lean to one side; to have influence; to bear rule; to govern.
• The swing or sweep of a weapon; the motion of a thing moving heavily; influence; power exerted in governing; any weight or authority which inclines to one side.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SWAY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SWAY
Etymology of SWAY
The word "sway" originated from the Old Norse word "sveigja" which means "to bend, incline, or sway". It eventually evolved into the Middle English term "swaien" with a similar meaning. Over time, the word continued to be used in English with the same sense of movement, influence, or control, and has remained relatively unchanged in its etymology.
Idioms with the word SWAY
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hold sway (over someone)
The idiom "hold sway (over someone)" means to have control, influence, or power over someone or something. It suggests that the person or thing in question has a dominant or authoritative position, dictating the actions, decisions, or behavior of others.
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hold sway
The idiom "hold sway" means to have control, influence, or power over something or someone. It refers to a situation where a person or thing has significant dominion or authority in a particular context.
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hold sway over
The idiom "hold sway over" means to have control, influence, or power over someone or something. It refers to the ability to dictate or direct the actions, decisions, or opinions of others.
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sway sm to sth
The idiom "sway someone to something" means to persuade or influence someone to adopt a particular opinion, belief, or course of action. It implies the ability to convince or sway someone's perspective or decision in favor of a specific stance or position.
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sway from side to side
The idiom "sway from side to side" refers to a movement where something or someone oscillates or moves slowly and smoothly in a side-to-side motion, typically in a somewhat unsteady or unstable manner.
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sway back and forth
The idiom "sway back and forth" typically refers to the motion of rocking or oscillating in a repetitive manner. It can describe physical movements where someone or something moves alternatively towards two different directions, creating a recurring pattern of motion. It can also be used figuratively to describe changes in opinions, beliefs, or emotions that swing between two contrasting perspectives or states.
Similar spelling word for SWAY
Conjugate verb Sway
CONDITIONAL
I
would sway
you
would sway
he/she/it
would sway
we
would sway
they
would sway
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be swaying
you
would be swaying
he/she/it
would be swaying
we
would be swaying
they
would be swaying
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have sway
you
would have sway
he/she/it
would have sway
we
would have sway
they
would have sway
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been swaying
you
would have been swaying
he/she/it
would have been swaying
we
would have been swaying
they
would have been swaying
FUTURE
I
will sway
you
will sway
he/she/it
will sway
we
will sway
they
will sway
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be swaying
you
will be swaying
he/she/it
will be swaying
we
will be swaying
they
will be swaying
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have swayed
you
will have swayed
he/she/it
will have swayed
we
will have swayed
they
will have swayed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been swaying
you
will have been swaying
he/she/it
will have been swaying
we
will have been swaying
they
will have been swaying
IMPERATIVE
you
sway
we
let´s sway
to sway
PAST
I
swayed
you
swayed
he/she/it
swayed
we
swayed
they
swayed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was swaying
you
were swaying
he/she/it
was swaying
we
were swaying
they
were swaying
PAST PARTICIPLE
swayed
PAST PERFECT
I
had swayed
you
had swayed
he/she/it
had swayed
we
had swayed
they
had swayed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been swaying
you
had been swaying
he/she/it
had been swaying
we
had been swaying
they
had been swaying
PRESENT
I
sway
you
sway
he/she/it
sways
we
sway
they
sway
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am swaying
you
are swaying
he/she/it
is swaying
we
are swaying
they
are swaying
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
swaying
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have swayed
you
have swayed
he/she/it
has swayed
we
have swayed
they
have swayed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been swaying
you
have been swaying
he/she/it
has been swaying
we
have been swaying
they
have been swaying
I
would have swayed
we
would have swayed
you
would have swayed
he/she/it
would have swayed
they
would have swayed
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