Word of the Day: JOSTLE

Pronunciation: UK /ˈdʒɒsəl/
US /ˈdʒɑːsəl/

Meaning

Jostle means to push, bump or knock against someone, usually in a crowded place. It can also mean competing with others for a particular position, opportunity or advantage.

Examples for daily usage

  • People began to jostle for space as soon as the doors opened.
  • I was jostled by someone while getting off the bus.
  • Several companies are jostling for a bigger share of the market.

Origin and history

The word jostle dates back to the 16th century. It was originally spelled justle and meant “to knock against”. It developed from the older word ‘joust’, which referred to fighting in a tournament. The spelling gradually changed to jostle. The meaning connected with competing for a position appeared in the early 17th century.

Interestingly, joust itself came from an Old French word related to fighting in single combat. Its deeper history can be traced to Latin iuxta, meaning “beside” or “very near”.

Also Read: Word of the Day, September 19: ‘Harp’ 

Cultural significance and modern usage

Today, jostle is commonly used for the physical pushing and bumping that happens in crowded places. But it is just as useful in a figurative sense. People, businesses, ideas and even opinions can “jostle for position” when they are competing to be noticed or chosen.

The expression “jostle for position” is particularly common in news reports and everyday writing. It can describe anything from people trying to get the best place in a queue to companies competing for attention.

Interesting facts

Jostle was commonly spelled justle in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The word can describe both physical pushing and competition.

Jostling can refer to the act of pushing in a crowd as well as competing with others for something.

The phrase “jostle for position” is often used figuratively in politics, business, sports and other competitive situations.

Jostle is related to joust, although their meanings have developed in very different directions.

Examples from literature

  • “Jostling and jostled, he walked towards the exit of the station...” — Jean-Christophe in Paris: The Market-Place, Romain Rolland.
  • “Never, indeed, it would seem, have such various centuries been jostled together...” — Red Men and White, Owen Wister.

Synonyms

  • Push
  • Shove
  • Bump
  • Knock
  • Elbow
  • Crowd

Antonyms

  • Avoid
  • Retreat
  • Withdraw
  • Separate
  • Give way

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