Quaveringly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quaveringly

[ˈkwāv(ə)riNGlē ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a shaky or trembling manner

Quaveringly is an adverb that describes the action of speaking or singing in a shaky or trembling manner. It indicates a lack of stability or confidence in the voice, often due to fear, nervousness, or weakness.

Synonyms

shakily, tremblingly, tremulously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quaveringly	Used to describe someone's voice that is unsteady, typically because of nervousness or emotional strain. She announced the bad news quaveringly, her emotions barely held in check
tremulously	Used to describe an action or movement that is gently shaking, often because of nervousness or emotion. He spoke tremulously, his voice barely louder than a whisper
shakily	Used to describe an action or movement that is unsteady, often due to weakness, nervousness, or lack of confidence. He stood up shakily, his legs barely able to support his weight
tremblingly	Used to describe a very noticeable shaking due to fear, excitement, or weakness. She handed over the letter tremblingly, clearly afraid of the response

Examples of usage

She spoke quaveringly, her voice barely audible over the noise.
His hand reached out quaveringly, unable to steady itself.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

A quavering voice can signal nervousness, fear, or uncertainty, reflecting a person's emotional state.
Studies show that our voices can change in pitch and rhythm when we experience stress, affecting how we communicate.
Quavering may be a subconscious response to environmental cues, such as threats or high-pressure situations.

Theatre and Performance

Actors often use a quavering tone to convey vulnerability or fear in their performances.
In drama, changing voice quality can enhance emotional depth, allowing audiences to connect more with characters.
Famous soliloquies in Shakespeare often feature quavering delivery to emphasize tension or conflict in the character's mind.

Pop Culture

Quaveringly delivered lines in movies often indicate a character's fragile emotional state, creating memorable moments.
Artists like Adele have used a quavering quality in their voices to evoke strong emotions in their songs, making them relatable.
In animated films, characters may speak quaveringly to represent comic relief or childish fear, appealing to a younger audience.

Literature

Writers often describe characters speaking quaveringly to depict fear or emotional turmoil, enhancing vivid imagery.
Classic literature captures quavering dialogue to portray tension in conversations, affecting themes and character relationships.
In poetry, a quavering voice can symbolize hesitation or inner conflict, enriching the text's emotional landscape.

Origin of 'quaveringly'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the verb 'quaver', which means to shake or tremble, often used to describe a voice.
Its roots can be traced back to the Old English 'cwafian', meaning to shake or tremble.
Quaver also has connections to the musical term denoting a note that lasts half a beat, evoking a sense of vibration.

The word quaveringly originates from the verb quaver, which comes from Middle English 'quaveren', of imitative origin. The suffix -ingly is added to form the adverb. The term has been used in English language to describe shaky or trembling actions since the 16th century.