Word
swaying
Phoneticssway·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsweɪɪŋ/
UK/swˈeɪɪŋ/
Definition
adj. moving slowly and rhythmically from side to side or back and forth. You use this to describe things like trees in the wind or people dancing slowly.
adj. moving or leaning gently from side to side or back and forth. Often functions as a participial adjective describing rhythmic motion or instability.
Examples
“The swaying trees look beautiful in the breeze.”
“The swaying motion of the boat made several passengers feel slightly seasick during the crossing.”
“The tall grass formed a swaying sea of green that rippled whenever the wind swept across the open plains.”
Examples
simple
“The swaying trees look beautiful in the breeze.”
contextual
“The swaying motion of the boat made several passengers feel slightly seasick during the crossing.”
complex
“The tall grass formed a swaying sea of green that rippled whenever the wind swept across the open plains.”
Usage
Often used as a participial adjective before a noun or after a linking verb.
Real-World Examples
“Thirteen women sit shoulder to shoulder as the late afternoon heat begins to soften, some swaying gently to the rhythm, others clapping in time.” “He yanked an object from the swaying branches and pitched it toward us.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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