fluctuate
Meaning: To rise and fall irregularly in number, amount, or intensity; to vary unpredictably.
Fluctuate implies irregular, back-and-forth movement rather than a steady trend in one direction. It is essential vocabulary for discussing economics, markets, weather, and scientific measurements. Common collocations include 'fluctuate wildly,' 'fluctuate between,' and 'fluctuate considerably.' The noun form 'fluctuation' is equally important in academic and business contexts.
Examples
- Currency exchange rates fluctuate constantly in response to global economic conditions. 汇率随全球经济形势的变化而持续波动。Los tipos de cambio fluctúan constantemente en respuesta a las condiciones económicas mundiales.為替レートは世界の経済情勢に応じて絶えず変動しています。환율은 세계 경제 상황에 따라 끊임없이 변동합니다.
- Her mood seemed to fluctuate between cautious optimism and outright despair. 她的情绪似乎在谨慎的乐观和彻底的绝望之间波动。Su estado de ánimo parecía fluctuar entre un optimismo cauteloso y una desesperación absoluta.彼女の気分は慎重な楽観と完全な絶望の間で揺れ動いているようでした。그녀의 기분은 조심스러운 낙관과 완전한 절망 사이에서 오락가락하는 것 같았습니다.
- Temperatures in the desert can fluctuate by as much as thirty degrees between day and night. 沙漠地区的日夜温差可达三十度。Las temperaturas del desierto pueden fluctuar hasta treinta grados entre el día y la noche.砂漠の気温は昼夜で30度も変動することがあります。사막의 기온은 낮과 밤 사이에 30도나 변동할 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin fluctuare (to undulate, wave), from fluctus (a wave), from fluere (to flow). It entered English in the mid-17th century, initially describing the movement of water before extending to abstract quantities.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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