Dither: meaning, definitions and examples
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dither
[ˈdɪðər ]
Definitions
indecision
To be indecisive or uncertain about a course of action; to waver or hesitate.
Synonyms
fluctuate, hesitate, vacillate, waver.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dither |
This word is used when someone is being indecisive and is constantly talking or acting nervously without making a decision. It often has a slightly negative undertone.
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hesitate |
This word is used when someone pauses before doing something, often because they are unsure or nervous. It can be neutral or have a slightly negative connotation depending on the context.
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vacillate |
This word is used in more formal contexts to describe someone who is unable to decide between different options or opinions, often swinging back and forth. It tends to have a negative connotation.
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waver |
This word is used when someone is hesitating or showing uncertainty, often used with respect to decisions, opinions, or beliefs. It can imply weakness or lack of commitment.
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fluctuate |
This word is appropriate when describing something that varies or changes irregularly, often used in the context of markets, feelings, or temperatures.
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Examples of usage
- Stop dithering and make a decision already!
- She dithered over which dress to wear to the party.
electronics
A technique used in digital audio and video processing to reduce the effect of quantization noise.
Synonyms
digital noise reduction, quantization noise reduction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dither |
Applied in digital signal processing to reduce quantization error by adding low-level noise before conversion, creating a more accurate result.
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digital noise reduction |
Used broadly in various technologies, including audio and image processing, to minimize or remove unwanted noise to enhance clarity and quality.
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quantization noise reduction |
Specific to the process of minimizing noise that results from the quantization step during digital signal processing, particularly important in audio and image compression.
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Examples of usage
- The dither applied to the audio file improved its quality.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term originated in the late 19th century, coming from the Old English word 'dithen', which meant to tremble or shake.
- Originally, it referred to physical shaking, but it evolved to describe mental indecision.
Psychology
- Indecision can lead to anxiety, as individuals feel pressured by the fear of making the wrong choice.
- Multiple studies suggest that excessive choices can lead to paralysis, making it harder to decide due to overwhelming options.
Pop Culture
- In various films and TV shows, characters often dither at crucial moments, emphasizing the tension of decision-making.
- The term has been used in popular songs to express feelings of uncertainty and hesitation in relationships.
Literature
- Great literary works often explore the theme of indecision, showcasing characters caught in dilemmas between duty and desire.
- Famous authors, like Shakespeare, have depicted dithering protagonists to reflect the human condition and moral complexity.
Technology
- In computing, dithering refers to a technique for creating the illusion of color depth in images when limited colors are available, mirroring the concept of balancing choices.
- Just as a computer may 'dither' between colors, humans can 'dither' among options, highlighting the complexity of decision-making.
Translations
Translations of the word "dither" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vacilar
🇮🇳 हिचकिचाना
🇩🇪 schwanken
🇮🇩 ragu-ragu
🇺🇦 вагатися
🇵🇱 wahać się
🇯🇵 ためらう
🇫🇷 hésiter
🇪🇸 dudar
🇹🇷 tereddüt etmek
🇰🇷 망설이다
🇸🇦 تردد
🇨🇿 váhat
🇸🇰 váhať
🇨🇳 犹豫
🇸🇮 oklevati
🇮🇸 hiksta
🇰🇿 күмәндану
🇬🇪 ფიქრი
🇦🇿 tərəddüd etmək
🇲🇽 dudar
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #33,880 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 33877 reining
- 33878 vitiating
- 33879 spitefully
- 33880 dither
- 33881 veggie
- 33882 wintergreen
- 33883 yeshiva
- ...