Stuttered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stuttered

[หˆstสŒtษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

speech issue

To stutter means to speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial sounds of words. This speech disorder can hinder fluent communication and can often lead to feelings of embarrassment or anxiety for the speaker.

Synonyms

falter, hesitate, stammer.

Examples of usage

  • He stuttered when he was nervous.
  • She stuttered through her presentation.
  • The child stuttered while learning to speak.
  • He often stuttered during public speaking.
  • When excited, they tended to stutter.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Stuttering may affect about 1% of the population, with varying degrees of severity.
  • It can sometimes be linked to anxiety or stress, causing people to stutter more when they feel nervous.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in films and books sometimes stutter as a way to show their struggles or make them more relatable.
  • Famous personalities who have stuttered include actors like James Earl Jones, who embraced their unique speech patterns.

Support and Therapy

  • Speech therapy often helps people who stutter, providing techniques to improve communication skills.
  • Groups like the National Stuttering Association work to support individuals and reduce stigma associated with stuttering.

Literature

  • Many authors use characters who stutter to explore themes of communication and personal challenges.
  • Children's literature often features characters overcoming speech difficulties, promoting understanding and empathy.

Origin of 'stuttered'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'stutter' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'stuteren,' which means to stammer or hesitate.
  • Historically, variations of the word appeared in different languages, symbolizing similar speech difficulties.

The word 'stutter' comes from the Middle English term 'stuttren', which itself is derived from the Old English 'styrtran', meaning to disturb or confuse. Its origins trace back further to Germanic languages, indicating a long-standing recognition of difficulties in speech. The term has evolved over the centuries, and its use became more pronounced in the 19th century when speech disorders were increasingly studied and categorized. The concept of stuttering has also been tied to various social and psychological theories, leading to a broader understanding of the condition and its impact on individuals. By the late 20th century, advances in speech therapy provided new strategies for management and support for those who stutter, highlighting the importance of empathy and communication in overcoming challenges associated with the speech disorder.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,135, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.