Word
undulating
Phoneticsun·du·lat·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəndʒəˌɫeɪtɪŋ/
UK/ˈʌndjʊlˌeɪtɪŋ/
Definition
v. moving in a smooth, wave-like pattern. You use this to describe things like hills, waves, or even a person's voice.
v. moving or appearing in a series of gentle, regular waves or curves. Often describes physical landscapes or the rhythmic quality of sound.
Examples
“The hills have an undulating shape.”
“The undulating waves of the ocean crashed against the shore as the storm passed.”
“The speaker's voice took on an undulating quality as she reached the climax of the speech, drawing the audience into a shared emotional experience.”
Examples
simple
“The hills have an undulating shape.”
contextual
“The undulating waves of the ocean crashed against the shore as the storm passed.”
complex
“The speaker's voice took on an undulating quality as she reached the climax of the speech, drawing the audience into a shared emotional experience.”
Real-World Examples
“These models suggest that the animal propelled itself through the water by paddling with its front legs and moving its tail in an undulating motion.” “She would recall evenings spent listening to her son play violin, surrounded by undulating green and gold fields in the shadow of the snow-capped Carpathian Mountains.” - 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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