sway
SWAY
/sweɪ/
To influence or change a person's opinion or decision; or to swing gently side to side.
Suggests gradual or subtle leaning of opinion under pressure or charm.
The story behind the word. Sway entered English from Middle Low German roots meaning 'to swing or lean'. Over centuries, the physical motion of trees leaning under strong winds evolved into the metaphorical power to make human minds lean in your direction.
Word relationships
- influence: Influence is broad and neutral; sway stresses the movement or shift from one side toward another.
- remain steadfast: To hold firmly to an opinion without bending.
Commonly confused with
- persuade: Persuade highlights the final agreed state; sway focuses on the tilting or shifting motion of opinion.
Word family
- swayed (verb): Influenced or tilted toward a position.
- swaying (adjective): Moving gently or influencing opinions.
Collocations
- sway public opinion
- hold sway over
- easily swayed
- sway the jury
Idioms & expressions
- hold sway
Example sentences
- "Undecided voters in swing states could easily sway the outcome of the presidential election." Political analysis
- "The presentation failed to sway the board members, who remained skeptical about the acquisition." Corporate board
Memory hook
Think of trees SWAYing in the wind — SWAYing someone makes their mind bend toward you. Make opinions bend or shift.
When not to use
Do not use when describing absolute physical forcing without any shift in mind.
Fun facts
- The noun phrase 'hold sway' dates back to the 1500s, where 'sway' meant monarchical power or rule.
Related words
Also appears in
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