Swayed
/sweɪd/
verbB1past tense
Definition
Swayed is the past form of the verb "sway." It means two main things: first, to move gently from side to side or back and forth, like a tree in the wind; second, to be influenced or persuaded to change your opinion or decision by someone or something.
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See It in Action
To move slowly back and forth or side to side
- •The tall grass swayed in the breeze.
- •The boat swayed gently on the water.
- •Her dress swayed as she walked across the room.
To be influenced or persuaded to change opinion or feeling
- •He was swayed by the speaker’s strong argument.
- •Many voters were swayed by the new policy promises.
- •She wasn’t easily swayed by others’ opinions.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "swayed" like "moved," but the movement is slow, smooth, and often side to side, not fast or straight
- ✓Picture a tall tree bending softly when the wind blows, moving gently but clearly
- ✓It's the feeling when your opinion changes a little because someone gave good reasons or made you feel differently
- ✓Sounds like "swayed" → imagine someone walking on a small bridge that moves side to side, making you feel unsteady
- ✓Think of a time when a friend convinced you to try something new, and you changed your mind gently, not suddenly
- ✓NOT like "shake" (fast, strong movement), "sway" is smooth and calm movement
- ✓NOT like "change" (general difference), "sway" is a specific kind of influence that is often gentle or gradual
- ✓NOT like "push" (forceful action), "sway" can happen quietly or by gentle influence
Try Other Words
- •Rocked: moved gently back and forth (Use when emphasizing the gentle physical movement)
- •Influenced: affected someone’s opinion or feelings (Use when talking about changing minds or feelings)
- •Wobbled: moved unsteadily side to side (Use when the movement is less smooth or more unstable)
- •Persuaded: convinced someone to change opinion (Use when focusing on strong influence or argument)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "sway" + past tense suffix "-ed"
- •Etymology: From Old English "swegan" meaning to move or swing
- •Historical development: Originally used for physical movement, later also used for influence over opinions
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for gentle physical motions and also for describing influence on thoughts or feelings
Reflect & Connect
•When have you been swayed by someone’s words or actions? How did it feel?
•Can something or someone sway you without you noticing? How does that happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.The trees swayed ___ the strong wind blowing through the forest.
2.He was swayed ___ the convincing speech and changed his mind.
3.Unlike shaking violently, the boat swayed ___ on the calm water.
4.She wasn’t easily swayed ___ peer pressure during the discussion.
5.The flags swayed ___ gently in the summer breeze.
6.When people are swayed ___ emotion, they may make different decisions than usual.
7.The dancer’s dress swayed ___ with every graceful movement she made.