Move vs. Swing: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 10, 2023
Move refers to changing position or place; Swing refers to a rhythmic motion from side to side or back and forth.
Key Differences
Move is a generic term indicating any shift in position, location, or place, whether small or vast. Swing, on the other hand, suggests a specific kind of motion, one that oscillates, often in a rhythmic pattern, pivoting around a fixed point.
While moving can involve any form of transition from one point to another, be it an object or a person, swing emphasizes a repeated, regular movement, typically back and forth. It's the difference between relocating a piece on a chessboard (move) and the pendulum of a clock going side to side (swing).
Move finds its applications in myriad contexts, from physical relocation to emotional shifts. We can move houses, shift our mindset, or even be moved by a touching story. Swing, however, is more restrictive in its application, commonly associated with objects or body parts oscillating, such as a child swinging their legs or a baseball bat being swung.
In dance, the distinction remains evident. A performer can move across the stage, covering ground. Meanwhile, swing would imply a specific dance genre or even a style of movement within the dance, reminiscent of the rhythmic back-and-forth motion.
Both move and swing have been metaphorically extended into various idioms and phrases. While "making a move" might refer to taking initiative, "in full swing" describes something operating at its peak or most active phase.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Change in position or place
Rhythmic motion from side to side or back and forth
Range
General, any form of change in position
Specific, oscillating movement
Contexts
Physical, emotional, strategic
Physical, rhythmic, sometimes metaphorical
Common Usages
Move to a new city, make a move in chess
Swing a bat, a dance is in full swing
Associations
Progression, transition
Oscillation, rhythm
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Move and Swing Definitions
Move
To progress or advance.
The story moves at a brisk pace.
Swing
To move rhythmically back and forth.
The kids love to swing on the playground.
Move
To initiate an action or step.
He decided to make his move and ask her out.
Swing
A style of jazz or dance music.
They danced all night to the sounds of swing.
Move
To change in position from one point to another
Moved away from the window.
Swing
To move back and forth suspended or as if suspended from above.
Move
To follow a specified course
Earth moves around the sun.
Swing
To hit at something with a sweeping motion of the arm
Swung at the ball.
Move
To change posture or position; stir
Too scared to move.
Swing
To move laterally or in a curve
The car swung over to the curb.
Move
To start off; depart
After waiting for an hour, we decided it was time to move.
Swing
To turn in place on or as if on a hinge or pivot.
Move
(Games) To change position on a board in a board game.
Swing
To move along with an easy, swaying gait
Swinging down the road.
Move
To go from one residence or location to another; relocate
We moved to a new apartment.
Swing
To propel oneself from one place or position to another by grasping a fixed support
Swinging through the trees.
Move
(Linguistics) To be copied or moved by means of a movement transformation to a new position in syntactic structure.
Swing
To ride on a swing.
Move
To progress in sequence; go forward
A novel that moves slowly.
Swing
To shift from one attitude, interest, condition, or emotion to another; vacillate.
Move
To progress toward a particular state or condition
Moving up in the company.
Move on to a new subject.
Swing
(Slang) To be put to death by hanging.
Move
To be disposed of by sale
Woolens move slowly in the summer.
Swing
To have a subtle, intuitively felt rhythm or sense of rhythm.
Move
To be put in motion or to turn according to a prescribed motion. Used of machinery.
Swing
To play with a subtle, intuitively felt sense of rhythm.
Move
To exhibit great activity or energy
Things were really moving backstage.
Swing
To be lively, trendy, and exciting.
Move
To initiate an action; act
It's time to make a decision and move.
Swing
To engage in promiscuous sex.
Move
To be active in a particular environment
Moves in diplomatic circles.
Swing
To exchange sex partners. Used especially of married couples.
Move
To stir the emotions
Words that have the power to move.
Swing
To have a sexual orientation
Which way does he swing?.
Move
To make a formal motion in parliamentary procedure
Move for an adjournment.
Swing
To cause to move back and forth, as on a swing.
Move
To evacuate. Used of the bowels.
Swing
To cause to move in a broad arc or curve
Swing a bat.
Swung the car over.
Move
To change the place or position of
Moved the chair into the corner.
Could not move his arm.
Swing
To cause to move with a sweeping motion
Swinging his arms.
Move
To cause to go from one place to another
Moved the crowd away.
Swing
To lift and convey with a sweeping motion
Swung the cargo onto the deck.
Move
(Games) To change (a piece) from one position to another in a board game
Moved a pawn.
Swing
To suspend so as to sway or turn freely
Swung a hammock between two trees.
Move
To change the course of
Moved the discussion to other matters.
Swing
To suspend on hinges
Swing a shutter.
Move
To cause to progress or advance
Moved the research into new thinking.
Swing
To cause to turn on hinges
Swung the door shut.
Move
To dislodge from a fixed point of view, as by persuasion
"Speak to him, ladies, see if you can move him" (Shakespeare).
Swing
To cause to shift from one attitude, position, opinion, or condition to another.
Move
To prompt to action; rouse
Anger moved her to speak out.
Swing
To manage or arrange successfully
Swing a deal.
Move
To arouse the emotions of; affect or stir.
Swing
To bring around to the desired result
Swing an election.
Move
To cause to function
This lever moves the elevator.
Swing
(Music) To play (music) with a subtle, intuitively felt sense of rhythm.
Move
To cause to progress or advance
Moved the project beyond conventional thinking.
Swing
The act or an instance of swinging; movement back and forth or in one particular direction.
Move
To propose or request in formal parliamentary procedure
Moved that a vote be taken.
Swing
The sweep or scope of something that swings
The pendulum's swing is 12 inches.
Move
To make formal application to (a court, for example).
Swing
A blow or stroke executed with a sweeping motion of the arm.
Move
To dispose of by sale
Moved the new merchandise quickly.
Swing
The manner in which one swings something, such as a bat or golf club.
Move
To cause (the bowels) to evacuate.
Swing
A shift from one attitude, position, or condition to another
A swing to conservatism.
Move
The act or an instance of moving.
Swing
Freedom of action
The children have free swing in deciding what color to paint their room.
Move
A particular manner of moving
Made some intricate moves on the dance floor.
Swing
A swaying, graceful motion
Has a swing to her walk.
Move
A change of residence or location.
Swing
A sweep back and forth
The swing of a bird across the sky.
Move
An act of transferring a piece from one position to another in board games.
Swing
A course or tour that returns to the starting point
A swing across the state while campaigning.
Move
The prescribed manner in which a piece may be played.
Swing
A seat suspended from above, as by ropes, on which one can ride back and forth for recreation.
Move
A participant's turn to make a play.
Swing
The normal rhythm of life or pace of activities
Back in the swing.
Move
An action taken to achieve an objective; a maneuver
A move to halt the arms race.
Swing
A steady, vigorous rhythm or movement, as in verse.
Move
(intransitive) To change place or posture; to go, in any manner, from one place or position to another.
A ship moves rapidly.
I was sitting on the sofa for a long time, feeling too lazy to move.
Swing
A regular movement up or down, as in stock prices.
Move
(intransitive) To act; to take action; to begin to act
To move in a matter
Come on guys, let's move: there's work to do!
Swing
A type of popular dance music developed about 1935 and based on jazz but employing a larger band, less improvisation, and simpler harmonic and rhythmic patterns.
Move
(intransitive) To change residence, for example from one house, town, or state, to another; to go and live at another place. See also move out and move in.
I decided to move to the country for a more peaceful life.
They moved closer to work to cut down commuting time.
I'm moving next week but I don't have anything packed yet.
The rook moved from a8 to a6.
My opponent's counter was moving much quicker round the board than mine.
Swing
A ballroom dance performed to this music.
Move
To cause to change place or posture in any manner; to set in motion; to carry, convey, draw, or push from one place to another
The waves moved the boat up and down.
The horse moves a carriage.
Swing
A subtle, intuitively felt rhythmic quality or sense of rhythm.
Move
To transfer (a piece) from one space or position on the board to another.
She moved the queen closer to the centre of the board.
He rolled a 5 and moved his counter to Boardwalk, the most expensive property on the Monopoly board.
Swing
(Music) Relating to or performing swing
A swing band.
Move
(transitive) To excite to action by the presentation of motives; to rouse by representation, persuasion, or appeal; to influence.
This song moves me to dance.
Swing
Determining an outcome; decisive
The swing vote.
Move
(transitive) To arouse the feelings or passions of; especially, to excite to tenderness or compassion, to excite (for example, an emotion).
That book really moved me.
Swing
(intransitive) To rotate about an off-centre fixed point.
The plant swung in the breeze.
Move
To propose; to recommend; specifically, to propose formally for consideration and determination, in a deliberative assembly; to submit
I move to repeal the rule regarding obligatory school uniform.
Swing
(intransitive) To dance.
Move
To mention; to raise (a question); to suggest (a course of action); to lodge (a complaint).
Swing
(intransitive) To ride on a swing.
The children laughed as they swung.
Move
To incite, urge (someone to do something); to solicit (someone for or of an issue); to make a proposal to.
Swing
(intransitive) To participate in the swinging lifestyle; to participate in wife-swapping.
Move
To apply to, as for aid.
Swing
(intransitive) To hang from the gallows; to be punished by hanging, swing for something or someone; (often hyperbolic) to be severely punished.
Move
To request an action from the court.
An attorney moved the court to issue a restraining order.
The district attorney moved for a non-suit.
Swing
To move sideways in its trajectory.
Move
To bow or salute upon meeting.
Swing
To make the ball move sideways in its trajectory.
Move
To sell or market (especially physical inventory or illicit drugs).
This business will fail if it can't move the inventory quickly.
Swing
(intransitive) To fluctuate or change.
It wasn't long before the crowd's mood swung towards restless irritability.
Move
The act of moving; a movement.
A slight move of the tiller, and the boat will go off course.
Swing
(transitive) To move (an object) backward and forward; to wave.
He swung his sword as hard as he could.
Move
An act for the attainment of an object; a step in the execution of a plan or purpose.
He made another move towards becoming a naturalized citizen.
Swing
(transitive) To change (a numerical result); especially to change the outcome of an election.
Move
A formalized or practiced action used in athletics, dance, physical exercise, self-defense, hand-to-hand combat, etc.
She always gets spontaneous applause for that one move.
He can win a match with that one move.
Swing
(transitive) To make (something) work; especially to afford (something) financially.
If it’s not too expensive, I think we can swing it.
Move
The event of changing one's residence.
The move into my fiancé's house took two long days.
They were pleased about their move to the country.
Swing
To play notes that are in pairs by making the first of the pair slightly longer than written (augmentation) and the second shorter, resulting in a bouncy, uneven rhythm.
Move
A change in strategy.
I am worried about our boss's move.
It was a smart move to bring on a tall striker to play against the smaller defenders.
Swing
To move one's arm in a punching motion.
Move
A transfer, a change from one employer to another.
Swing
(transitive) In dancing, to turn around in a small circle with one's partner, holding hands or arms.
"to swing one's partner", or simply "to swing"
Move
(board games) The act of moving a token on a gameboard from one position to another according to the rules of the game.
The best move of the game was when he sacrificed his rook in order to gain better possession.
It's your move! Roll the dice!
If you roll a six, you can make two moves.
Swing
To admit or turn something for the purpose of shaping it; said of a lathe.
The lathe can swing a pulley of 12 inches diameter.
Move
A round, in which each player has a turn.
You can win in three moves if you do that.
Swing
To put (a door, gate, etc.) on hinges so that it can swing or turn.
Move
To cause to change place or posture in any manner; to set in motion; to carry, convey, draw, or push from one place to another; to impel; to stir; as, the wind moves a vessel; the horse moves a carriage.
Swing
(nautical) To turn round by action of wind or tide when at anchor.
A ship swings with the tide.
Move
To transfer (a piece or man) from one space or position to another on a playing board, according to the rules of the game; as, to move a king.
Swing
The manner in which something is swung.
He worked tirelessly to improve his golf swing.
Door swing indicates direction the door opens.
The swing of a pendulum
Move
To excite to action by the presentation of motives; to rouse by representation, persuasion, or appeal; to influence.
Minds desirous of revenge were not moved with gold.
No female arts his mind could move.
Swing
The sweep or compass of a swinging body.
Move
To arouse the feelings or passions of; especially, to excite to tenderness or compassion; to touch pathetically; to excite, as an emotion.
When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them.
[The use of images] in orations and poetry is to move pity or terror.
Swing
A line, cord, or other thing suspended and hanging loose, upon which anything may swing.
Move
To propose; to recommend; specifically, to propose formally for consideration and determination, in a deliberative assembly; to submit, as a resolution to be adopted; as, to move to adjourn.
Let me but move one question to your daughter.
They are to be blamed alike who move and who decline war upon particular respects.
Swing
A hanging seat in a children's playground, for acrobats in a circus, or on a porch for relaxing.
Move
To apply to, as for aid.
Swing
A dance style.
Move
To change place or posture; to stir; to go, in any manner, from one place or position to another; as, a ship moves rapidly.
The foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
On the green bank I sat and listened long, . . . Nor till her lay was ended could I move.
Swing
(music) The genre of music associated with this dance style.
Move
To act; to take action; to stir; to begin to act; as, to move in a matter.
Swing
The amount of change towards or away from something.
Move
To change residence; to remove, as from one house, town, or state, to another.
Swing
(politics) In an election, the increase or decrease in the number of votes for opposition parties compared with votes for the incumbent party.
The polls showed a wide swing to Labour.
Move
To change the place of a piece in accordance with the rules of the game.
Swing
(cricket) Sideways movement of the ball as it flies through the air.
Move
The act of moving; a movement.
Swing
Capacity of a turning lathe, as determined by the diameter of the largest object that can be turned in it.
Move
The act of moving one of the pieces, from one position to another, in the progress of the game; also, the opportunity or obligation to so move a piece; one's turn; as, you can only borrow from the bank in Monopoly when it's your move.
Swing
In a musical theater production, a performer who understudies several roles.
Move
An act for the attainment of an object; a step in the execution of a plan or purpose.
Swing
A basic dance step in which a pair link hands and turn round together in a circle.
Move
The act of deciding to do something;
He didn't make a move to help
His first move was to hire a lawyer
Swing
(obsolete) Free course; unrestrained liberty.
Move
The act of changing your residence or place of business;
They say that three moves equal one fire
Swing
Influence or power of anything put in motion.
Move
A change of position that does not entail a change of location;
The reflex motion of his eyebrows revealed his surprise
Movement is a sign of life
An impatient move of his hand
Gastrointestinal motility
Swing
(boxing) A type of hook with the arm more extended.
Move
The act of changing location from one place to another;
Police controlled the motion of the crowd
The movement of people from the farms to the cities
His move put him directly in my path
Swing
To move to and fro, as a body suspended in the air; to wave; to vibrate; to oscillate.
I tried if a pendulum would swing faster, or continue swinging longer, in case of exsuction of the air.
Move
(game) a player's turn to move a piece or take some other permitted action
Swing
To sway or move from one side or direction to another; as, the door swung open.
Move
Change location; move, travel, or proceed;
How fast does your new car go?
We travelled from Rome to Naples by bus
The policemen went from door to door looking for the suspect
The soldiers moved towards the city in an attempt to take it before night fell
Swing
To turn round by action of wind or tide when at anchor; as, a ship swings with the tide.
Move
Cause to move, both in a concrete and in an abstract sense;
Move those boxes into the corner, please
I'm moving my money to another bank
The director moved more responsibilities onto his new assistant
Swing
To be hanged.
He had swung round the circle of theories and systems in which his age abounded, without finding relief.
Move
Move so as to change position, perform a nontranslational motion;
He moved his hand slightly to the right
Swing
To cause to swing or vibrate; to cause to move backward and forward, or from one side to the other.
He swings his tail, and swiftly turns his round.
They get on ropes, as you must have seen the children, and are swung by their men visitants.
Move
Change residence, affiliation, or place of employment;
We moved from Idaho to Nebraska
The basketball player moved from one team to another
Swing
To give a circular movement to; to whirl; to brandish; as, to swing a sword; to swing a club; hence, colloquially, to manage; as, to swing a business.
Move
Follow a procedure or take a course;
We should go farther in this matter
She went through a lot of trouble
Go about the world in a certain manner
Messages must go through diplomatic channels
Swing
To admit or turn (anything) for the purpose of shaping it; - said of a lathe; as, the lathe can swing a pulley of 12 inches diameter.
Move
Be in a state of action;
She is always moving
Swing
The act of swinging; a waving, oscillating, or vibratory motion of a hanging or pivoted object; oscillation; as, the swing of a pendulum.
Move
Go or proceed from one point to another;
The debate moved from family values to the economy
Swing
Swaying motion from one side or direction to the other; as, some men walk with a swing.
Move
Perform an action, or work out or perform (an action);
Think before you act
We must move quickly
The governor should act on the new energy bill
The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel
Swing
A line, cord, or other thing suspended and hanging loose, upon which anything may swing; especially, an apparatus for recreation by swinging, commonly consisting of a rope, the two ends of which are attached overhead, as to the bough of a tree, a seat being placed in the loop at the bottom; also, any contrivance by which a similar motion is produced for amusement or exercise.
Move
Have an emotional or cognitive impact upon;
This child impressed me as unusually mature
This behavior struck me as odd
Swing
Influence of power of a body put in swaying motion.
The ram that batters down the wall,For the great swing and rudeness of his poise,They place before his hand that made the engine.
Move
Give an incentive for action;
This moved me to sacrifice my career
Swing
Capacity of a turning lathe, as determined by the diameter of the largest object that can be turned in it.
Move
Arouse sympathy or compassion in;
Her fate moved us all
Swing
Free course; unrestrained liberty or license; tendency.
To prevent anything which may prove an obstacle to the full swing of his genius.
Move
Dispose of by selling;
The chairman of the company told the salesmen to move the computers
Swing
A state of steady vigorous action that is characteristic of an activity;
The party went with a swing
It took time to get into the swing of things
Move
Progress by being changed;
The speech has to go through several more drafts
Run through your presentation before the meeting
Swing
Mechanical device used as a plaything to support someone swinging back and forth
Move
Live one's life in a specified environment;
She moves in certain circles only
Swing
A sweeping blow or stroke;
He took a wild swing at my head
Move
Have a turn; make one's move in a game;
Can I go now?
Swing
Changing location by moving back and forth
Move
Propose formally; in a debate or parliamentary meeting
Swing
A style of jazz played by big bands popular in the 1930s; flowing rhythms but less complex than later styles of jazz
Move
To change the position of something.
Please move the chair closer to the table.
Swing
A jaunty rhythm in music
Move
To relocate residence.
We decided to move to a different state.
Swing
The act of swinging a golf club at a golf ball and (usually) hitting it
Move
To evoke a strong emotional response.
That film really moved me.
Swing
In baseball; a batter's attempt to hit a pitched ball;
He took a vicious cut at the ball
Swing
A square dance figure; a pair of dancers join hands and dance around a point between them
Swing
Move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting;
He swung his left fist
Swing a bat
Swing
Move or walk in a swinging or swaying manner;
He swung back
Swing
Change direction with a swinging motion; turn;
Swing back
Swing forward
Swing
Influence decisively;
This action swung many votes over to his side
Swing
Make a big sweeping gesture or movement
Swing
Hang freely;
The ornaments dangled from the tree
The light dropped from the ceiling
Swing
Hit or aim at with a sweeping arm movement;
The soccer player began to swing at the referee
Swing
Alternate dramatically between high and low values;
His mood swings
The market is swinging up and down
Swing
Live in a lively, modern, and relaxed style;
The Woodstock generation attempted to swing freely
Swing
Have a certain musical rhythm;
The music has to swing
Swing
Be a social swinger; socialize a lot
Swing
Play with a subtle and intuitively felt sense of rhythm
Swing
Engage freely in promiscuous sex, often with the husband or wife of one's friends;
There were many swinging couples in the 1960's
Swing
To change direction or course.
Public opinion can swing rapidly.
Swing
A decisive factor or influence.
He holds the swing vote in the committee.
Swing
To handle something skillfully.
She can swing a golf club like a pro.
FAQs
Does "swing" always have a rhythmic connotation?
Often, but not always. It can just imply change in direction.
What's an example of "move" in a metaphorical sense?
"Moved by emotion" indicates a deep emotional effect.
Is swing limited to physical motion?
No, it can be used metaphorically, as in "swing of opinion."
Can "move" imply progression?
Yes, like in "the plot moves quickly."
What does "swing vote" mean?
It refers to a vote that can influence the outcome due to its decisiveness.
Is "swing" associated with certain sports?
Yes, sports like baseball, golf, and tennis involve swinging actions.
How is "swing" used in a dance context?
It refers to a dance style or the act of dancing rhythmically.
Can "move" imply taking action?
Absolutely, like "making a move" in a strategy.
Can "swing" refer to music?
Yes, swing is a style of jazz and associated dance.
What does "on the move" imply?
It suggests someone/something is active or relocating.
Does move always indicate physical relocation?
No, "move" can also refer to emotional or strategic changes.
Can "move" suggest a starting initiative?
Yes, as in "making the first move" in a game or relationship.
Can things move metaphorically?
Yes, like "moving the market" implies influencing it.
What's "move in" and "move out" mean?
They refer to entering and exiting a residence, respectively.
Can "swing" suggest flexibility?
Yes, as in being able to "swing" between tasks easily.
Can "move" relate to transportation?
Yes, like "the train is moving."
How does one "move up" in context?
It implies advancement, like in a career or hierarchy.
Does "swing" have a musical connotation?
Yes, it can refer to rhythmic momentum or a music genre.
What's a "swing state" in politics?
A state where voter outcomes are unpredictable and can "swing" elections.
What's the difference between "swing by" and "move by"?
"Swing by" means a quick visit, while "move by" suggests passing or moving past something.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
