Quavery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
quavery
[หkwฤ-vษ-rฤ ]
Definition
sound quality
Quavery describes a sound that is shaky or tremulous in nature. It often refers to a vocal quality that has a slightly wavering pitch or an unstable tone. This can be associated with nervousness or emotion in singing or speaking.
Synonyms
fluttering, shaky, tremulous, wobbly.
Examples of usage
- Her quavery voice was filled with emotion.
- He sang the ballad with a quavery tone.
- The old singer's quavery delivery captivated the audience.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Music
- In singing, a quavery tone can add emotion and expressiveness, often used in genres like blues and folk.
- Famous singers with a quavery style, such as Bob Dylan, often evoke deep feelings through their unique vocal textures.
- Quavery sounds can also be found in instruments like the theremin, which produces a wavering tone without physical contact.
Performing Arts
- The use of a quavery voice in acting can convey vulnerability or stress, allowing the audience to connect with a characterโs emotions.
- Voice coaches often focus on control over quavery tones to ensure singers can express feelings without losing pitch accuracy.
Psychology
- Speaking with a quavery voice can signal nervousness or insecurity, impacting how others perceive confidence in communication.
- Some studies suggest that a quavery voice can evoke empathy in listeners, making messages feel more relatable and human.
Cultural Expressions
- In many cultures, elders might speak in a quavery tone, reflecting their life experiences and emotional states.
- Quavery singing or speaking styles are celebrated in various folk traditions, often passed down through generations in storytelling and music.
Origin of 'quavery'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'quavery' comes from the word 'quaver', which means to shake or tremble.
- This root word has its origins in Middle English, as 'quaveren', meaning to tremble or shake.
- In music, a quaver is also a note that lasts half a beat, reflecting the idea of a brief, shaky sound.
The word 'quavery' originates from the verb 'quaver', which means to shake or tremble. The term 'quaver' is derived from the Old English 'cwafian,' meaning to tremble or shake. Historically, the concept of a quavery sound has been associated with various musical and vocal traditions, particularly in folk music where emotion and expressiveness are paramount. Over time, it has come to describe any sound that possesses this characteristic of wavering, especially in relation to singing or speaking. The transformation from 'quaver' to 'quavery' showcases the evolution in the English language, where adjectives are often formed by adding 'y' to nouns or verbs.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,475, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.