Master confusing words with ease
Oscillate vs. Osculate
Oscillate
/ˈɒsəleɪt/Examples:
The fan blades oscillate to evenly cool the room.He tends to oscillate between optimism and pessimism.The pendulum will oscillate at a regular period.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Osculate
Examples:
Their lips osculated gently under the moonlight.The two graphs osculate at just one charming point.In botany, leaves may osculate with floral parts.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Oscillate has the word scill in it, which sounds like sill. Think of something moving back and forth like a windowsill fan.
- Osculate starts with osc, which sounds like ask, and many people ask for a kiss.
- Remember oscillate like a pendulum oscillates back and forth, while osculate shares the ca sound that might remind you of a caress or casual kiss.
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