Stagger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ถโโ๏ธ
stagger
[หstรฆษกษr ]
Definitions
losing balance
To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stagger |
Use when describing someone walking unsteadily, often due to weakness, impact, or intoxication.
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| stumble |
Use when someone trips or loses their footing, often momentarily or accidentally.
|
| lurch |
Best for sudden, awkward movements, often implying an uncontrolled or jerky motion.
|
| sway |
Suitable for gentle, back-and-forth or side-to-side movements, often in response to wind or balance loss.
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Examples of usage
- He staggered across the room after the impact.
- The drunk man staggered down the street.
shock or surprise
To astonish or deeply shock someone.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stagger |
Typically used to describe a physical reaction to something overwhelming, such as shock or surprise. It can also describe a situation where someone has difficulty maintaining balance or composure.
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| astonish |
Often used to describe a feeling of great surprise or amazement at something unexpected or impressive.
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| shock |
Best used when referring to an intense and sudden feeling of surprise or disbelief, usually in a negative or alarming context.
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| surprise |
Generally used to describe a reaction to something unexpected that could be either positive or negative.
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Examples of usage
- The news of the tragedy staggered everyone in the community.
- Her unexpected announcement staggered her colleagues.
sequence
A sequence of events or actions that happen at intervals or are spaced out.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stagger |
Use 'stagger' when describing an unsteady or uneven movement, often in relation to people or objects. It can also refer to arranging events or tasks at different times to avoid overlap.
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| sequence |
Use 'sequence' to describe things that follow in a specific order or arrangement, often related to events, steps, or numbers.
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| interval |
Use 'interval' when talking about a specific amount of time or space between two points, events, or objects. Often used in scheduling and event planning.
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| spacing |
Use 'spacing' when talking about the physical distance between objects or elements. Often used in design, typography, and layout contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The movie had a stagger of action scenes that kept the audience engaged.
- The project timeline had a stagger of deadlines.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling dizzy or unbalanced can lead to a staggering gait, showing how our body reacts to fatigue or illness.
- Staggering can also be a sign of emotional stress, as anxiety may affect coordination.
- Therapists sometimes use balance exercises to help people who stagger due to psychological challenges.
Literature
- Writers often use staggering characters to depict internal struggles, showcasing the battle between control and chaos.
- In poetry, staggering can symbolize the feeling of being overwhelmed by emotions, expressed through uneven rhythms.
- Famous scenes in classic literature often describe a protagonist staggering to highlight their vulnerability in dire situations.
Pop Culture
- Staggered walking is often depicted in movies to represent a character under the influence, emphasizing their loss of control.
- In video games, characters that stagger after being attacked often increase the tension and excitement during battles.
- Music videos may portray artists staggering to symbolize their emotional struggles or the relaxed movement of dancers.
Science
- Research shows that staggered walking can be a symptom of various balance disorders, indicating underlying health issues.
- Biomechanics studies focus on the movements that lead to staggering, helping athletes improve their balance and performance.
- Scientists have found that fatigue affects the body's reaction time, leading to staggering and instability while walking.
Origin of 'stagger'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'stigian', meaning to rise or mount, highlighting a sense of unsteadiness.
- In the 14th century, it evolved to describe the shaky way someone might walk when they are tired or dizzy.
- The suffix '-ger' suggests a process, making it akin to 'causing to sway or wobble'.
The word 'stagger' originated from the Old Norse word 'stagga', which means 'to reel'. It was first used in the 15th century to describe the unsteady movement of a person. Over time, the word evolved to also represent astonishment or a sequence of events happening at intervals. Today, 'stagger' is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to convey a sense of unsteadiness or surprise.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #21,452, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 21449 overproduction
- 21450 demoralized
- 21451 toggle
- 21452 stagger
- 21453 overhauled
- 21454 phobia
- 21455 rime
- ...