Teetered: meaning, definitions and examples
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teetered
[ ˈtiːtərd ]
physical movement
To teeter means to move unsteadily or to sway back and forth. This is often characterized by a precarious balance, such as when something is on the verge of falling over. The term can also denote a hesitation in making a decision or taking action. Teetering can suggest an impending loss of stability or control, whether literally, as in standing on the edge of a precipice, or metaphorically, as in considering a risky choice.
Synonyms
fluctuate, oscillate, sway, vacillate, wobble
Examples of usage
- The toddler teetered as he took his first steps.
- She teetered on the edge of the cliff, trying to get a better view.
- He teetered between accepting the job offer and pursuing his dreams.
- The stack of books teetered dangerously before falling.
Translations
Translations of the word "teetered" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vacilou
🇮🇳 लटकना
🇩🇪 wackeln
🇮🇩 terguncang
🇺🇦 хитатися
🇵🇱 chwiać się
🇯🇵 揺れる
🇫🇷 osciller
🇪🇸 tambalear
🇹🇷 sallandı
🇰🇷 휘청거리다
🇸🇦 يتأرجح
🇨🇿 kolísat
🇸🇰 kolísať
🇨🇳 摇摆
🇸🇮 zibati
🇮🇸 vagga
🇰🇿 тербелу
🇬🇪 არასტაბილური
🇦🇿 sallanmaq
🇲🇽 tambalear
Etymology
The word 'teeter' dates back to the early 17th century, likely derived from a Middle English term 'teteren', which means to totter or to reel. The origins may also include influences from Old Norse 'tittra', meaning to tremble or quiver. Initially, the term was used to describe physical unsteadiness but gradually expanded to encompass the idea of figurative instability in decisions or situations. Over the centuries, 'teeter' has become a common vernacular choice to express both literal and metaphorical wobbly conditions, making it widely applicable in various contexts, such as discussing hesitation in choices, balancing acts, or people in precarious situations.