ondolare

Ondolare is a verb in Italian that denotes moving with a wave-like, undulating motion or causing such motion in something. It is commonly used to describe surfaces, fabrics, or bodies of water that rise and fall in a regular pattern, or objects that are made to ripple by wind or current. The term often appears in descriptive prose and nature writing to convey a smooth, rhythmic movement, and can apply to both natural phenomena and man-made surfaces.

Etymology and related terms: The verb is formed from the noun onda (wave) with the productive suffix -olare, itself derived from the Latin unda meaning wave. Related terms include ondulazione (undulation), which names the characteristic wave-like shape or motion, and the more general synonym ondeggiare, which emphasizes oscillation.

Usage notes: Ondolare can be used both transitively and intransitively. Intransitively: la bandiera ondola nel vento. Transitively: il vento- o l'acqua ondola una superficie, provocando un moto continuo. In most contexts, the nuance centers on a gentle to pronounced wavelike movement that gives a sense of fluid, rippling motion rather than abrupt jolts.

See also: Ondulazione, Ondeggiare, Onde.