Dither: meaning, definitions and examples

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dither

[ˈdɪðər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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
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. She tends to dither when asked to choose a restaurant for dinner. Stop dithering and make up your mind!
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. She hesitated before answering the difficult question. Don't hesitate to call us if you need help.
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. The manager vacillated between two candidates for the position. He vacillates between loving and hating his job.
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. Her determination never wavered despite the challenges. He wavered on whether to accept the job offer.
fluctuate	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.

Examples of usage

Stop dithering and make a decision already!
She dithered over which dress to wear to the party.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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
dither	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.
digital noise reduction	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.
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. 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.

Word

Description / Examples

dither

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.

digital noise reduction

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.

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.

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.

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
...