Stammeringly: meaning, definitions and examples
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stammeringly
[ ˈstæmərɪŋli ]
manner of speech
Stammeringly refers to the manner in which someone speaks with hesitation, repetition, or unnatural pauses, which may result from anxiety, a speech disorder, or lack of confidence. It often indicates difficulty in articulating thoughts clearly and smoothly. When someone speaks stammeringly, their speech may be interrupted by involuntary repetitions of sounds or syllables.
Synonyms
haltingly, hesitantly, incoherently, uncertainly.
Examples of usage
- He answered the questions stammeringly.
- She spoke stammeringly, trying to find the right words.
- The child spoke stammeringly due to his nervousness.
- I can hear him stammeringly express his ideas.
Etymology
The word 'stammeringly' originates from the verb 'stammer', which is derived from the Old Norse word 'stamra', meaning 'to stutter'. This verb has roots in the Proto-Germanic term '*stamōną', which conveys a similar meaning. The transformation into the adverb 'stammeringly' incorporates the adverbial suffix '-ly', commonly used in English to form adverbs from adjectives or verbs. The concept of stammering has been documented for centuries, appearing in various literary texts to denote difficulty in speech, often associated with emotional stress or cognitive overload. Over time, the usage of 'stammeringly' has expanded to describe a broader emotional context in speech, capturing the nuances of hesitation and insecurity in communication.