Waver: meaning, definitions and examples

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waver

[ˈweɪvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

indecision

To waver means to be uncertain between two options, to hesitate in making a decision.

Synonyms

fluctuate, hesitate, vacillate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
waver	When someone is unsure and changes their mind between different decisions or choices. Often associated with emotional or mental indecision. She wavered between telling the truth or keeping the secret His confidence did not waver even under pressure
hesitate	When someone pauses before doing something because of uncertainty or fear. Implies a short moment of doubt or delay. She hesitated before answering the difficult question Don't hesitate to ask if you need help
fluctuate	Used when describing irregular up and down changes, usually related to numbers, levels, or conditions, without a clear pattern. The stock prices fluctuate daily The temperature has been fluctuating all week
vacillate	Describes the action of continuously changing one's opinions or decisions, often seen as a weakness. It has a slightly negative connotation. He vacillated for weeks before deciding on a new car The committee continues to vacillate on important decisions

Examples of usage

I could see the doubt in his eyes as he began to waver between the two choices.
She wavered between accepting the job offer or pursuing further studies.
If you waver too long, you might miss out on this opportunity.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

movement

As a noun, waver refers to a slight movement back and forth, like a wavering flame or a wavering sound.

Synonyms

fluctuation, quiver, tremor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
waver	Waver is typically used when describing someone who is indecisive or unsure. It can also describe a physical movement that is not steady, like a flag in the wind. Her voice wavered as she gave the speech. He wavered between accepting the job offer and staying at his current job.
quiver	Quiver is often used to describe a small, rapid shaking movement, usually caused by emotion like fear, excitement, or cold. She could feel a quiver in her voice as she spoke. The leaves quivered in the breeze.
fluctuation	Fluctuation is best used when talking about changes that occur up and down in a situation over time, such as prices, temperatures, or moods. The fluctuation in stock prices made investors nervous. Temperature fluctuation can affect plant growth.
tremor	Tremor is generally used to refer to a shaking or trembling movement, often associated with natural phenomena like earthquakes or medical conditions. The earthquake left a minor tremor that could still be felt days later. He felt a tremor in his hands due to nervousness.

Examples of usage

The candle flame cast a wavering light in the dark room.
The waver in her voice showed her nervousness during the presentation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'waver' originated in the Middle English period, derived from the Old English word 'wafian', meaning to move back and forth.
It shares roots with the word 'wave', highlighting the visual movement connected to uncertainty.
The term has maintained its core meaning of indecision since its first recorded use in the 14th century.

Psychology

Indecision is often tied to anxiety, where individuals struggle to make choices due to fear of potential outcomes.
Psychological studies show that people are more likely to waver when faced with similar options, a phenomenon called 'choice overload.'
Emotion can play a significant role in decision-making, influencing how often someone might waver between choices.

Pop Culture

The term is often used in songs and literature to signify emotional struggles or conflicts in relationships.
Movies frequently portray characters wavering in critical moments, highlighting the tension of decision-making.
TV shows often depict characters wavering between friendships or romantic choices, making for dramatic storytelling.

Literature

Classic literature often uses 'waver' to describe protagonists facing moral dilemmas, showcasing their internal conflict.
Poets may use the idea of wavering to illustrate the fragility of human emotions or convictions.
In many narratives, a character’s wavering can serve as a catalyst for growth or change in the story.

Science

In physics, the concept of wavering can be linked to oscillation, which describes how objects fluctuate around a central value.
The behavior of light can waver, adapting to various mediums, showcasing properties of reflection and refraction.
Biology often references wavering in situations like animal migration, where some species may hesitate due to environmental changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "waver" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vacilar

🇮🇳 डगमगाना

🇩🇪 schwanken

🇮🇩 goyang

🇺🇦 вагатися

🇵🇱 chwiać się

🇯🇵 ぐらつく

🇫🇷 vaciller

🇪🇸 vacilar

🇹🇷 tereddüt etmek

🇰🇷 흔들리다

🇸🇦 تردد

🇨🇿 váhat

🇸🇰 váhať

🇨🇳 动摇

🇸🇮 obotavljati se

🇮🇸 hiksta

🇰🇿 тербелу

🇬🇪 რყევა

🇦🇿 tərəddüd etmək

🇲🇽 vacilar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,080, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23077 draughtsman
23078 footmen
23079 defensively
23080 waver
23081 stupidly
23082 pastries
23083 pare
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