Dither: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• She tends to dither when asked to choose a restaurant for dinner.
• Stop dithering and make up your mind!

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.

• She hesitated before answering the difficult question.
• Don't hesitate to call us if you need help.

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.

• The manager vacillated between two candidates for the position.
• He vacillates between loving and hating his job.

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.

• Her determination never wavered despite the challenges.
• He wavered on whether to accept the job offer.

This word is appropriate when describing something that varies or changes irregularly, often used in the context of markets, feelings, or temperatures.

• The stock prices fluctuate widely during economic crises.
• His mood fluctuates with the weather.

Applied in digital signal processing to reduce quantization error by adding low-level noise before conversion, creating a more accurate result.

• Audio engineers add dither to audio tracks to smooth out low-level signals.
• When converting an image from high to low resolution, dither can help to preserve detail.

Used broadly in various technologies, including audio and image processing, to minimize or remove unwanted noise to enhance clarity and quality.

• Newer cameras come with built-in digital noise reduction to improve photo quality in low light.
• Digital noise reduction algorithms help to clean up audio recordings by removing background hiss and hum.

Specific to the process of minimizing noise that results from the quantization step during digital signal processing, particularly important in audio and image compression.

• Proper quantization noise reduction techniques are crucial for maintaining audio fidelity in compressed music files.
• Engineers work on quantization noise reduction to ensure that digital images retain high quality despite compression.