1. Move from side to side: This is the most common meaning of "sway". It can refer to the movement of something physical, like a tree in the wind, or the movement of someone's body, like when they're dancing.
* Example: "The old oak tree swayed in the breeze."
* Example: "She swayed to the music."
2. Influence or persuade: This meaning is more abstract and refers to the ability to influence someone's opinion or decision.
* Example: "The politician's speech swayed the voters."
* Example: "The evidence swayed the jury in her favor."
3. Be indecisive or hesitant: This meaning refers to someone who is unsure about something or who changes their mind easily.
* Example: "He was swaying between two different jobs."
* Example: "Don't be swayed by their promises."
4. (Archaic) To move with a smooth, flowing motion: This meaning is less common in modern English but can still be found in older texts.
* Example: "The ship swayed gently on the waves."
It's important to consider the context in which "sway" is used to determine its meaning. For example, "The crowd swayed to the music" means the crowd moved from side to side, while "The new evidence swayed the judge's opinion" means the evidence influenced the judge's decision.