undulate

/ˈʌndʒəleɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌndʒəlˌet] /ˈʌndʒəleɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈʌndʒəlˌet] /ˈən-jə-lət How to pronounce undulate (audio) ˈən-dyə- How to pronounce undulate (audio) ˈən-də-,  -ˌlāt How to pronounce undulate (audio)/ (ame, mw)

undulate — verb

  • undulatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • undulateshe / she / it
  • undulatedpast simple
  • undulating-ing form

1. to move in smooth repeated curves, or to form a line with gentle wave-shaped ris

1.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to move in smooth repeated curves, or to form a line with gentle wave-shaped rises and dips.

例句

Tall grass undulated across the hillside in the warm evening wind.

undulate across [place] in the wind

The parade banners undulated above the crowded street as Wei passed below.

同義詞
  • wave

    the broad everyday word for moving in a loose curved pattern

  • ripple

    usually suggests smaller quicker movements, especially on water or cloth

  • roll

    often suggests heavier or broader movement than undulate

文法句型

undulate

undulate across/through

undulate in the wind

用法筆記

Common with subjects such as grass, cloth, water, roads, or land seen from a distance. Distinguish from verb sense 2, which is used for voices and other sounds rather than visible movement or shape.

2. if a voice, sound, or tune undulates, it keeps going a little higher and lower i

2.動詞不及物C2
釋義

if a voice, sound, or tune undulates, it keeps going a little higher and lower instead of staying level.

例句

Iris's voice undulated between anger and laughter as she read the letter.

voice undulates between emotional tones

The final violin note undulated softly through the dark concert hall.

同義詞
  • waver

    broader and less formal; can refer to uncertainty as well as sound

  • quaver

    suggests a trembling or shaky voice rather than a smooth rise and fall

  • fluctuate

    more general and often used for numbers, levels, or conditions

文法句型

voice undulates

undulate in pitch

note undulates

用法筆記

Usually used for voices, singing, chants, or other sustained sounds. Distinguish from verb sense 1, which describes a visible wave-like shape or motion rather than changing sound.

undulate — adjective