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Jiggle vs Oscillate - What's the difference?

jiggle | oscillate |

In intransitive terms the difference between jiggle and oscillate

is that jiggle is to shake, rattle, or wiggle while oscillate is to vary above and below a mean value.

As verbs the difference between jiggle and oscillate

is that jiggle is to shake something gently; to rattle or wiggle while oscillate is to swing back and forth, especially if with a regular rhythm.

As a noun jiggle

is a weak, shaking movement.

jiggle

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • a weak, shaking movement.
  • Give the key a jiggle and see if it opens.

    Verb

    (jiggl)
  • To shake something gently; to rattle or wiggle.
  • Jiggle the handle and see if the water stops.
  • To shake, rattle, or wiggle.
  • The jelly jiggled in the bowl for a few moments after it was set down.

    Derived terms

    * jiggly

    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