What does swayed mean?
Swayed is the past tense and past participle of the verb sway. Its most common figurative use describes a change in opinion, attitude, or intention brought about by evidence, persuasion, emotion, or social pressure: a witness may sway a jury, or an event may sway public opinion. In its physical sense, something sways when it moves slowly or unsteadily from side to side, as tall grass does in the wind. The word can also describe a temporary or uncertain change of direction or position. Because it commonly appears in contexts involving judgment and influence, swayed often carries the implication that an earlier conviction or decision was altered. It is standard in both British and American English and is appropriate in formal reporting as well as ordinary conversation.
verbMoved slowly or unsteadily from side to side, or changed one's position, opinion, or course of action, especially as a result of influence or persuasion.
- Caused to change one's opinion, attitude, or course of action through influence, persuasion, or emotional appeal.
- Moved or shifted unsteadily from side to side.
- Changed one's position or course, especially temporarily or uncertainly.
"The testimony of the witnesses swayed the jury."
"The new evidence led the committee to sway its position."
"The tall grass swayed gently in the evening breeze."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does swayed come from?
Swayed derives from the verb sway, which came into Middle English from an Old English word of Germanic origin meaning to move, swing, or fluctuate. The modern base verb developed meanings associated both with physical movement and with exercising influence, as in swaying a decision or controlling the direction of events.
Related word forms
How swayed is actually used
The figurative sense of being persuaded or influenced is especially common. It can imply that a previous opinion or intention was changed, although the change need not be permanent.