undulate
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “undulate” mean?
verb.to move with a smooth wavelike motion.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages related to nature, art, or movement, emphasizing fluidity and grace. It suggests a rhythmic and harmonious motion, distinguishing it from similar words like "oscillate," which implies a back-and-forth action rather than a smooth, flowing wave.
Common Confusions
Undulate implies a smooth, wavelike motion, while oscillate usually suggests a repetitive back-and-forth movement that lacks the fluidity associated with undulation.
Do not choose undulate if the context emphasizes a sudden or jerky movement rather than a smooth wavelike motion.
Example Sentences
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The hills undulate gently across the wide landscape.
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The fields of wheat undulate gracefully in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing wave that seems to ripple across the landscape.