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Circulate vs Oscillate - What's the difference?

circulate | oscillate |

In lang=en terms the difference between circulate and oscillate

is that circulate is to cause (a person or thing) to move in circles or through a circuit while oscillate is to vary above and below a mean value.

As verbs the difference between circulate and oscillate

is that circulate is to move in circles or through a circuit while oscillate is to swing back and forth, especially if with a regular rhythm.

circulate

English

Verb

(circulat)
  • to move in circles or through a circuit
  • to cause (a person or thing) to move in circles or through a circuit
  • to move from person to person, as at a party
  • to spread or disseminate
  • to circulate money or gossip
  • to become widely known
  • Synonyms

    * put about * spread * disseminate

    oscillate

    English

    Verb

    (oscillat)
  • To swing back and forth, especially if with a regular rhythm.
  • A pendulum oscillates slower as it gets longer.
  • To vacillate between conflicting opinions, etc.
  • The mood for change oscillated from day to day.
  • To vary above and below a mean value.
  • Derived terms

    * oscillation * oscillator

    See also

    * undulate