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vacilar

[vah-see-LAHR]
verb
to hesitate, to waver, to falter
1. to show uncertainty or indecision
He began to hesitate before making the final decision.
Ele começou a vacilar antes de tomar a decisão final.
2. to vacillate or oscillate between two opinions
She vacillated between accepting and rejecting the job offer.
Ela vacilava entre aceitar e rejeitar a oferta de emprego.
3. to become unsteady or unstable (of objects or structures)
The building began to sway during the earthquake.
O edifício começou a vacilar durante o terremoto.
4. to tease or mock playfully (regional usage)
Stop teasing your little brother!
Para de vacilar seu irmãozinho!
NYC Slang
to trip up, to mess with someone (in teasing context)
Synonyms
hesitartitubearoscilarvacilarduvidarflutuar
Antonyms
decidirresolverafirmarconfirmar

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
vacilar
Standard usage meaning to hesitate or waver
Rio de Janeiro
vacilar
Also used colloquially to mean to tease or mess with someone
São Paulo
vacilar
Similar to Rio usage; slang for joking or teasing
Portugal
vacilar
Less commonly used; prefers 'hesitar' or 'titubear'

Related Idioms & Phrases

vacilar na decisão - to waver in a decision
vacilar entre duas opções - to hesitate between two options
não vacilar - not to hesitate, to be steadfast
vacilar com alguém - to mess with or tease someone
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