pace back and forth; hesitate; fluctuate
Meanings
3 senses · 10 examplesverb
to pace back and forth; to wander about in one place
Describes physical movement, often due to anxiety, waiting, or deep thought. Typically implies a repetitive, uncertain motion.
He paced back and forth alone by the river, thinking about his future path.
She paced up and down the hospital corridor for two hours.
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His hesitant pacing revealed the anxiety in his heart.
verb
to hesitate; to waver; to be irresolute between choices
literaryMetaphorical usage indicating mental indecision or being torn between options. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
He hesitated at the crossroads of life, unsure which path to take.
He wavered for a long time facing this difficult decision.
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His wait-and-see attitude caused him to miss a good opportunity.
verb
to fluctuate; to hover around a certain level; to oscillate within a range
Used for statistics, prices, values, or other measurable quantities that vary within a limited range without clear upward or downward trend.
This factory's monthly output value has been hovering around three million yuan.
The stock market has been fluctuating at this level for several months.
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The temperature is hovering around zero degrees.
His grades have been hovering near the passing line.