Words / C2

VAS-uh-layt/ˈvæsəleɪt/

To vacillate is to keep changing your mind, swinging between options. Waver is a close synonym; hesitate can be a single pause; dither is informal British. Vacillation is the noun, and the verb is a formal criticism of indecision. In speech, I keep changing my mind or stop dithering is more natural — do not use it for a careful revision of a view in light of new evidence.

Meaning

To keep changing your opinion or decision (formal).

Examples

• “Do not vacillate between two essay titles all week.”
• “Do not vacillate between titles until the night before.”
• “The board vacillated, and the contractor walked away.”

Good to know

Keep switching decisions. Formal. Noun: vacillation. Everyday: waver / dither. Contrast: hesitate (one pause).

Near in meaning

waver

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