fluctuate
UK: ˈflʌktʃueɪt | US: ˈflʌktʃueɪt
vi. to change continually or shift back and forth irregularly
vt. to cause to fluctuate
Derived from Latin fluctuare ("to undulate, move like waves"), from fluctus ("a wave, billow"), related to fluere ("to flow"). The root fluct- reflects the motion of waves, metaphorically extended to describe irregular variations in any measurable quantity (e.g., prices, temperatures). The suffix -ate marks it as a verb. The word’s evolution mirrors the logic of natural wave motion applied to abstract instability.
Stock prices fluctuate daily due to market demand.
Her mood tends to fluctuate between excitement and anxiety.
The temperature fluctuates wildly in desert regions.
Historical data shows that energy costs fluctuate seasonally.
Avoid decisions made when emotions are fluctuating.