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waver
/ˈweɪvər/
hesitate or falter
She wavered for a moment before making her decision.
She paused briefly, showing uncertainty, before deciding.
neutral
To be undecided between two opinions or courses of action; hesitate.
He wavered between accepting the job offer or staying in his current position.
He was torn between the two options and couldn't decide.
Her voice wavered with emotion during the speech.
Her voice showed signs of hesitation or trembling due to strong feelings.
Often implies a lack of resolve or confidence. Can describe physical or emotional instability.
literary
To move unsteadily or feebly; flicker.
The candle flame wavered in the draft.
The candle flame flickered weakly due to the moving air.
Describes something that shakes or fluctuates, often due to instability.
Collocations
waver betweenbe undecided between two choiceswaver in one's resolvelose determination
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'waiver'
'Waver' (verb) means to hesitate or falter, while 'waiver' (noun) refers to a formal document relinquishing a right or claim. They are pronounced similarly but have different meanings and spellings.
Gold Rule
Use 'waver' for indecision
Reserve 'waver' for situations where someone is genuinely uncertain or lacks resolve, not for minor delays or procrastination.
Word Origin
Middle English 'waveren' (to wander or stray), from Old English 'wæfre' (restless, unsteady). Related to Old Norse 'vafra' (to hover).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in contexts involving decision-making, emotional instability, or physical unsteadiness. Often carries a negative connotation of weakness or indecision.
Word Breakdown
waver
to sway or hesitate
rootEnglish Dictionary