Stutter: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฌ
stutter
[หstสtษr ]
Definitions
speaking difficulty
To speak with involuntary pauses or repetitions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stutter |
Generally used when someone has difficulty speaking smoothly, often repeating sounds or syllables. It often refers to a speech disorder.
|
| stammer |
Similar to 'stutter,' often used to describe a temporary difficulty in speaking clearly, especially due to nervousness. It can have a slightly negative connotation when indicating nervousness or embarrassment.
|
| hesitate |
Applied when someone pauses before saying or doing something, usually due to uncertainty or nervousness.
|
| falter |
Used when someone hesitates or shows uncertainty, often due to lack of confidence or strength. It can also mean to lose strength or momentum.
|
Examples of usage
- He tends to stutter when he's nervous.
- She stutters when she's excited.
- The child began to stutter after the traumatic experience.
- The comedian deliberately stutters to make the audience laugh.
- I noticed he started to stutter during the presentation.
speech disorder
A speech disorder characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech.
Synonyms
disfluency, speech impediment, stammer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stutter |
Commonly used to describe a specific speech disorder where the flow of speech is disrupted by involuntary repetitions and prolongations of sounds, syllables, words, or phrases, as well as involuntary silent pauses or blocks.
|
| stammer |
Primarily used in British English to describe the same speech disorder that 'stutter' describes in American English. It also refers to involuntary hesitations and repetitions during speech.
|
| speech impediment |
A more formal and general term that refers to any type of communication disorder, including stuttering, lisping, and other forms of speech difficulties. It often has a more clinical connotation.
|
| disfluency |
A broader, more technical term used to describe any kind of interruption in the smooth flow of speech. It can include hesitations, repetitions, and self-corrections.
|
Examples of usage
- His stutter became more noticeable as he grew older.
- People with a stutter often face challenges in public speaking.
- The therapist worked with the child to reduce his stutter.
- She overcame her stutter through speech therapy.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'stutter' comes from the Old English 'stutorian,' which means to stammer, reflecting qualities of hesitation in speech.
- In the 16th century, the term evolved to 'stutter,' showing how language changes over time to capture speech patterns.
- Different languages have their own words for 'stutter'โfor example, in Spanish, it's 'tartamudo,' emphasizing the universal nature of this speech condition.
Psychology
- Stuttering often begins in childhood, affecting about 5% of young children as they learn to talk, with many naturally outgrowing it.
- Research shows that anxiety and stress can worsen stuttering, highlighting the emotional aspects tied to giving speeches or speaking to others.
- Studies indicate that genetics can play a role, suggesting some individuals may be more predisposed to stuttering based on family history.
Pop Culture
- The character 'Moses' in the animated film 'The Prince of Egypt' is depicted as a stutterer, showcasing his struggle but also his strength and determination.
- Famous individuals like actor James Earl Jones and poet Maya Angelou have publicly shared their experiences with stuttering, inspiring many to embrace their challenges.
- The film 'The King's Speech' brings attention to a historical figure battling speech difficulties, demonstrating how overcoming stuttering can lead to significant achievements.
Science
- Numerous studies focus on the neurological aspects of stuttering, revealing that brain activity during speech differs between people who stutter and those who do not.
- Speech therapy techniques like fluency shaping aim to retrain the brain and body to produce smoother speech patterns.
- Some researchers explore the possibility of using technology, such as speech-generating devices, to assist individuals who stutter in communication.
Literature
- Stuttering appears in various literary works, representing characters with depth and layers of complexity, often addressing themes of communication and vulnerability.
- Authors like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain depicted stuttering characters to highlight social challenges and prejudices faced by those with speech disorders.
- Contemporary novels continue to explore the intricacies of stuttering, shedding light on personal stories that resonate with many readers.
Translations
Translations of the word "stutter" in other languages:
๐ต๐น gaguejar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคนเคเคฒเคพเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช stottern
๐ฎ๐ฉ gagap
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฐัะบะฐัะธัั
๐ต๐ฑ jฤ kaฤ siฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ใฉใใ
๐ซ๐ท bรฉgayer
๐ช๐ธ tartamudear
๐น๐ท kekelemek
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ง์ ๋๋ฌ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชูุนุซู
๐จ๐ฟ koktat
๐ธ๐ฐ koktaลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ๅฃๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ jecljati
๐ฎ๐ธ stama
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะตะบะตััะตะฝั
๐ฌ๐ช แแญแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kษkษlษmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ tartamudear