Sway
/sweɪ/
verbnounB1
Definition
As a verb, sway means to move gently from side to side or back and forth. It can also mean to influence or change someone's thoughts, feelings, or decisions. As a noun, sway refers to the act of moving like this or the power to influence.
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See It in Action
To move slowly and smoothly from side to side or back and forth
- •The trees swayed in the wind during the storm.
- •She swayed to the music at the party.
- •The boat swayed gently on the waves.
To influence or change someone's opinion or decision
- •His speech swayed the voters to support him.
- •Don’t let others sway you from your goals.
- •The beautiful advertisement swayed many customers to buy the product.
(noun) The act or power of moving or influencing
- •The sway of the branches was calming.
- •He has a strong sway over the team’s decisions.
- •The sway of public opinion changed after the news.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "sway" like "move" (A1 word), but slower and smoother, like a tree bending in the wind
- ✓Picture a tall tree or a flag gently moving side to side in the wind, not fast or strong, just calm and smooth
- ✓It's the feeling when your opinion changes a little because someone gave you a good reason or you felt moved emotionally
- ✓Sounds like "way" with an "s" at the start → imagine a path (way) that gently curves or moves side to side
- ✓Think of a boat on calm water slowly rocking, or a person gently dancing with soft movements
- ✓NOT like "shake" (fast, strong movement); sway is slow and smooth
- ✓NOT like "force" (strong push); sway is gentle influence or movement
- ✓NOT like "change" (complete difference); sway is more like a small or gentle influence that can lead to change
Try Other Words
- •Rock: to move gently back and forth (Use when emphasizing a gentle back and forth motion, like a rocking chair)
- •Influence: to change someone's opinion or feelings (Use when focusing on changing thoughts or decisions)
- •Bend: to lean or curve (Use when talking about physical bending, especially with plants or objects)
- •Shake: to move quickly with small movements (Use when the motion is fast and strong, not slow or smooth)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) root word "sway"
- •Etymology: From Old English "swegan" meaning to move or swing
- •Historical development: Used since early English times to describe gentle movement; later also used metaphorically for influence
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for gentle physical movement and to describe influence in opinions or decisions
- •Interesting fact: The word "sway" is often used in music and dance to describe smooth, rhythmic body movements
Reflect & Connect
•How does the physical movement meaning of "sway" help you understand its meaning when used for influence?
•Can you think of a time when someone or something swayed your opinion? What made that influence strong or weak?
Fill in the blanks
1.The tall trees swayed ___ the wind, moving back and forth slowly and calmly.
2.His calm words swayed her ___ changing her mind about the plan.
3.Unlike a quick shake, the boat swayed gently ___ the waves all night.
4.She tried not to be swayed by the ___ opinions of others when making her decision.
5.The music made the crowd ___ and sway together in slow, smooth movements.
6.When a leader has a strong sway ___ their team, their ideas often become the team’s choice.
7.The flag swayed ___ the breeze, moving softly from side to side.