Dictionary monolingual
English

Swing

swɪŋ
Very common
~ 2400
~ 2400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Swing -

To move back and forth or from side to side while hanging from a fixed point.

Example: The children were swinging on the playground swings.
Usage: informalContext: playful activities or leisure
Note: Commonly used in casual conversations and informal settings.

To cause something to move back and forth or from side to side.

Example: She swung her legs over the edge of the bed.
Usage: formalContext: descriptive or narrative writing
Note: Used in storytelling or describing physical movements.

To change or shift in a particular direction or opinion.

Example: The political climate swung in favor of the opposition party.
Usage: formalContext: political discussions or analysis
Note: Commonly used in formal contexts such as news reports or academic writing.

Swing's synonyms

sway

To move gently back and forth or from side to side.
Example: The trees swayed in the wind.
Note: Similar to swing but implies a more gentle or subtle movement.

rock

To move back and forth or from side to side in a gentle manner.
Example: She rocked the baby to sleep.
Note: Often used in the context of comforting or soothing movements.

oscillate

To move or swing back and forth at a regular speed.
Example: The pendulum oscillated between the two points.
Note: More technical or formal term for swing, often used in scientific or mechanical contexts.

pendulum

A weight hung from a fixed point that swings back and forth under the influence of gravity.
Example: The pendulum of the clock swung back and forth.
Note: Refers specifically to a swinging weight used in timekeeping devices.

Swing expressions, common phrases

Swing by

To visit or stop by a place briefly.
Example: Why don't you swing by my place after work?
Note: The phrase 'swing by' implies a casual or impromptu visit, rather than a planned or formal one.

In full swing

To be at the peak or most active stage of something.
Example: The party was in full swing when we arrived.
Note: The expression 'in full swing' emphasizes the high energy and activity level of a situation.

Swing for the fences

To aim for a major success or achievement; to take a big risk.
Example: Let's swing for the fences and aim for a perfect score on the exam.
Note: This phrase comes from baseball, where 'swinging for the fences' means trying to hit a home run by swinging the bat as hard as possible.

Swing both ways

To be versatile or open to different options, choices, or preferences.
Example: She's open-minded and swings both ways when it comes to music genres.
Note: In this context, 'swing both ways' refers to being flexible or adaptable rather than having a sexual orientation connotation.

Swing into action

To start moving or working quickly and energetically in response to a situation.
Example: The team swung into action as soon as they heard about the emergency.
Note: The phrase 'swing into action' implies a sudden and decisive response to a specific event or need.

Go/swing both ways

To be open to or interested in both of two conflicting options or choices.
Example: She goes both ways when it comes to choosing between tea and coffee.
Note: The phrase 'go/swing both ways' can also refer to bisexuality, but in this context, it's used in a more general sense.

Swing a deal

To successfully arrange or negotiate a deal or agreement.
Example: The negotiator managed to swing a deal that was beneficial to both parties.
Note: This phrase involves the skill of negotiating or managing to achieve a satisfactory outcome for all parties involved.

Swing everyday (slang) expressions

Swing (v.)

In informal spoken language, 'swing' is often used as a verb to mean 'go' or 'visit' a place casually or spontaneously.
Example: Let's swing by the store later.
Note: While 'swing' in its original sense can refer to a back-and-forth movement or a style of music, the slang usage signifies a more casual and relaxed action.

Swing a left/right

This slang is used to instruct someone to take a left or right turn, typically while driving or walking.
Example: At the intersection, swing a right and you'll see the café on the corner.
Note: The slang term 'swing a left/right' specifically focuses on the action of making a turn, unlike the broader usage of 'swing' in the original sense.

On the upswing

This term means on the rise or showing improvement, especially in terms of success or progress.
Example: Business has been on the upswing since we introduced the new product line.
Note: The slang phrase 'on the upswing' signifies improvement or progress, while 'swing' alone does not carry this connotation of growth or advancement.

Swing shift

In employment contexts, a swing shift refers to a work shift that overlaps with standard daytime and nighttime shifts.
Example: I work the swing shift at the hospital, so I start in the late afternoon and finish at night.
Note: The term 'swing shift' involves a specific schedule arrangement for work hours, distinct from the general concept of 'swing' as a movement or action.

Swinger (n.)

Colloquially, a 'swinger' refers to a person who engages in partner swapping or participates in group sexual activities.
Example: I heard they're throwing a party for swingers this weekend.
Note: The slang term 'swinger' has a highly specific and unconventional meaning related to sexual behavior, differing significantly from the original notion of 'swing' as a movement.

Swing - Examples

The children were playing on the swing.
The music had a great swing to it.
The pendulum had a smooth swing.

Swing grammar

Swing - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: swing
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): swings, swing
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): swing
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): swung
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): swung
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): swinging
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): swings
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): swing
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): swing
Syllables, Separation and Stress
swing Contains 1 syllables: swing
Phonetic transcription: ˈswiŋ
swing , ˈswiŋ (The red syllable is stressed)

Swing - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
swing: ~ 2400 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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