Quavering: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Middle English 'quaveren', meaning to shake or tremble.
• It has roots in Old English 'cwafian', which means to move back and forth.
• The term has been in use since the 15th century, often describing sounds or voices.

Art and Performance

• In music, a quavering voice can convey emotion, often used in theater to show vulnerability.
• Certain vocal techniques encourage quavering to add depth and feeling to a performance.
• Famous singers, like Adele or Billie Eilish, sometimes use this technique to create hauntingly beautiful moments in their songs.

Psychology

• Speaking with a quavering voice may indicate anxiety or nervousness, affecting how we perceive confidence.
• It's a natural response in high-stress situations, as our bodies react to fear with trembling.
• Quavering can also be a signal of excitement or emotional connection, showing vulnerability in communication.

Literature

• Quavering voices appear in many classic stories, used to depict characters under stress or in a moment of emotional intensity.
• Authors often describe a tremulous tone to enhance the dramatic impact of a scene, making it more relatable.
• In poetry, quavering might be used to illustrate the fragility of emotions, capturing the beauty of human experiences.

Pop Culture

• In films, actors often portray quavering voices to depict fear or vulnerability effectively, enhancing their dramatic roles.
• Reality talent shows often highlight contestants who sing with a quavering voice, showcasing their emotional range.
• Certain cartoon characters, especially when scared or excited, are depicted with a quavering voice for comedic effect.

This word's position of #31,703 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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• 31700 retrenched
• 31701 quadrille
• 31702 accusingly
• 31703 quavering
• 31704 palimpsest
• 31705 chlamydia
• 31706 pigmy
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