Quavering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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quavering
[ˈkwāvərɪŋ ]
Definition
emotional state
Quavering refers to a slight or tremulous sound or movement. It is often used to describe a voice that shakes or trembles, especially when someone is feeling emotional, nervous, or frightened. This trembling can signify vulnerability or anxiety. Quavering can also be applied to instruments or other objects that produce a shaky sound.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Her voice was quavering as she spoke about her loss.
- He stood there, quavering in fear at the thought of public speaking.
- The singer's quavering notes added an emotional depth to the performance.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'quavering'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'quaver' originates from the late Middle English term 'quaveren', which means to tremble or shake. It is believed to be derived from the Old English term 'cwafian', which had a similar meaning. The term has evolved over the centuries, adapting to various forms of usage, including its application in describing unsteady or shaky sounds, particularly in music and speech. The concept of quavering has been culturally significant in literary and musical contexts, often representing emotional expression and the fragility of human experience. As language evolved, 'quavering' became entrenched in English vernacular, encapsulating the essence of vulnerability, particularly in moments of distress or heightened emotion.
Word Frequency Rank
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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- 31703 quavering
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