Halting: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Middle English 'halting', which originally meant to stop or waver.
• Its roots trace back to Old Norse 'halta', meaning to limp or walk awkwardly.
• By the late 14th century, it evolved to describe both physical and verbal hesitations.

Psychology

• Halting speech can be a sign of anxiety or nervousness, where a person struggles to find the right words.
• In therapy, discussing feelings can be halting, representing an emotional block that needs addressing.
• People often use halting speech when sharing difficult experiences, as they may pause to gather thoughts.

Literature

• Authors often use halting dialogue to portray characters grappling with their emotions or unsure of themselves.
• In poetry, halting rhythms can evoke feelings of hesitation or reflection, adding depth to the piece.
• Classic literature frequently depicts heroes in halting moments to emphasize their internal conflict.

Performance Arts

• Actors might intentionally use halting delivery to portray characters who are nervous or conflicted.
• In dance, halting movements can create dramatic tension, capturing the audience's attention.
• Halting speech is a common technique in stand-up comedy to build suspense before delivering a punchline.

Technology

• In programming, a 'halting problem' refers to determining if a program will finish running or continue indefinitely.
• Halting issues in software can lead to crashes or freezes, affecting user experience.
• Voice recognition technology often struggles with halting speech, making accurate transcription more challenging.

With rank #15,559, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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