Quavered: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'quaver' comes from the Middle English 'quaveren', which meant to tremble or shake.
• It is related to the Old English word 'cwafian', meaning 'to chirp' or 'to cry out'.
• Quavered is often used in literary contexts to describe a trembling voice or sound, emphasizing emotion.

Linguistics

• Quavering is a phonetic phenomenon where the pitch of a voice fluctuates, adding emotional depth to speech.
• In music, 'quaver' refers to a note that lasts half a beat, showcasing the connection between rhythm and voice tremor.
• Voice modulation, like quavering, is often used in rhetoric to convey urgency or sincerity.

Psychology

• A quavering voice can be a sign of anxiety or fear, often detected in stressful situations.
• Research shows that people may perceive a quavering voice as less assertive, impacting communication effectiveness.
• Stage fright can cause performers' voices to quaver, reflecting high levels of nervousness and stress.

Literature

• In literature, characters often quaver when expressing strong emotions, enhancing dramatic tension.
• Authors like Edgar Allan Poe frequently used quavering voices to depict characters in distress, contributing to the overall mood.
• Poetry may employ the word to evoke vulnerability, creating an intimate connection between the speaker and audience.

Pop Culture

• Quavered can describe how singers express deep feelings, especially in genres like jazz or blues where vocal trembling adds emotion.
• Memorable movie scenes often feature characters whose voices quaver during pivotal moments, heightening dramatic effect.
• Various musical performances utilize quavering tones to demonstrate vulnerability, often resonating with the audience's emotions.

This word's position of #33,938 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33935 bagatelle
• 33936 rawness
• 33937 unvaried
• 33938 quavered
• 33939 knifed
• 33940 metamorphose
• 33941 tiredly
• ...