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Faltered: meaning, definitions and examples

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faltered

 

[ ˈfɔːltərd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

loss of strength

To falter means to lose strength, momentum, or confidence, often in a manner that suggests hesitation. It can also indicate a decline in performance or the ability to continue with an action or course. This term is frequently used to describe a person who hesitates in their speech or actions.

Synonyms

flounder, hesitate, stumble, waver

Examples of usage

  • She faltered in her speech during the presentation.
  • He faltered before making a crucial decision.
  • The runner faltered as they approached the finish line.
Context #2 | Verb

mental hesitation

Falter can also refer to a moment of doubt or uncertainty in one's thoughts or feelings. This often manifests as a momentary pause or an inability to proceed with clarity.

Synonyms

dither, doubt, vacillate

Examples of usage

  • She faltered in her belief about the project.
  • His confidence faltered as he faced the challenges.
  • They faltered when asked about their long-term goals.

Translations

Translations of the word "faltered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vacilou

🇮🇳 लड़खड़ाया

🇩🇪 schwankte

🇮🇩 terhenti

🇺🇦 збентежився

🇵🇱 zachwiał się

🇯🇵 つまずいた

🇫🇷 hésité

🇪🇸 titubeó

🇹🇷 tökezledi

🇰🇷 비틀거렸다

🇸🇦 تلعثم

🇨🇿 zakolísal

🇸🇰 zaváhal

🇨🇳 犹豫

🇸🇮 zavijal

🇮🇸 vaggandi

🇰🇿 әлсізденді

🇬🇪 დასუსტებული

🇦🇿 sarsıldı

🇲🇽 titubeó

Etymology

The word 'falter' originates from the Middle English word 'falteren', meaning to hesitate or stumble. This, in turn, comes from the Old French 'falter', which is derived from the Latin 'fallere', meaning to deceive or fail. Over time, the meaning evolved to more broadly encompass the idea of wavering or hesitating in one's actions or decisions. The transition from a literal sense of stumbling to a more figurative hesitation reflects the human experience of uncertainty and the complexity of decision-making processes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,446, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.