Sway Meaning in English
word
/ˈsweɪ/
sway
/swˈeɪ/
sway
Definition
To move slowly back and forth or side to side. Also means to influence or change someone's opinion or decision.
Usage & Nuances
"Hold sway" means to have power or influence over something. Physical sway suggests gentle, rhythmic motion (trees, dancers). "Sway" as influence implies subtle persuasion rather than force.
Spanish: balancearse - influirPortuguese (BR): balançar - influenciarPortuguese (PT): balançar - influenciarChinese (Simplified): 摇摆 - 影响Chinese (Traditional): 搖擺 - 影響Hindi: झूलना - प्रभावित करनाArabic: تمايل - تأثيرBengali: ঝাঁকানো - প্রভাবিত করাRussian: качаться - влиятьJapanese: 揺れる - 影響を与えるVietnamese: đung đưa - ảnh hưởngKorean: 흔들리다 - 영향을 미치다Turkish: sallanmak - etkilemekUrdu: ڈگمگانا - اثر انداز ہوناIndonesian: berayun - mempengaruhi
Example Sentences
The trees swayed gently in the breeze.
basic
Nothing could sway her decision to move abroad.
basic
The dancers swayed to the rhythm of the music.
basic
Public opinion can be swayed by a single viral social media post.
natural
For centuries, the Roman Empire held sway over most of Europe.
natural
He swayed on his feet, clearly exhausted from the twelve-hour shift.
natural