wavering
/ˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈevɚɪŋ] /ˈweɪ.vɚ.ɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈevɚɪŋ] /ˈwā-vər How to pronounce waver (audio)/ (ame, mw)
wavering — adjective
- waveringpositive
- more waveringcomparative
- most waveringsuperlative
1. becoming weaker in belief, determination, or purpose, often for a short period o
becoming weaker in belief, determination, or purpose, often for a short period of time
Beatrix's wavering faith in the project worried her teammates.
collocation: wavering faith / wavering support
After months of setbacks, Padma's wavering determination finally gave way.
collocation: wavering determination
The politician's wavering support among voters led to a drop in the polls.
Jenna tried to hide her wavering confidence before the final presentation.
- unwavering
the direct opposite: staying strong and steady
- firm
describes a decision or belief that is not open to change
用法筆記
Typically modifies nouns related to belief or resolve: faith, support, confidence, determination, commitment.
常見錯誤
2. unable to make a firm choice between two or more options, often changing one's m
unable to make a firm choice between two or more options, often changing one's mind
Ada was wavering about which university to attend for her studies.
pattern: wavering about + noun
The wavering jury took three days to reach a final verdict.
Bao's wavering stance on the contract made the negotiations drag on longer.
A wavering customer kept changing her mind about the color of the sofa.
- indecisive
a character trait rather than a temporary state; stronger sense of inability to make decisions
- hesitant
slower to act, but not necessarily torn between options
- undecided
simply not yet decided; can be temporary without the emotional tone of 'wavering'
文法句型
wavering + about + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Often used with 'about' or 'between' to specify the options a person cannot decide between.
常見錯誤
wavering — noun
1. a state of being unable to choose between two or more possibilities, often leadi
a state of being unable to choose between two or more possibilities, often leading to delay or lost opportunities
Tariq's wavering over the job offer cost him the position in the end.
pattern: wavering over + noun
Her constant wavering between two holiday destinations frustrated her travel companions.
The board's wavering on the merger decision worried the company's shareholders.
After much wavering, Antonia finally chose the blue dress for the wedding.
- indecision
more common and neutral; 'wavering' adds a sense of emotional struggle
- hesitation
focuses on the delay in acting rather than the inner conflict
- vacillation
more formal; suggests repeatedly changing one's mind
用法筆記
Uncountable; typically used with prepositions 'over', 'between', or 'on' to specify the subject of indecision. Commonly appears in the phrase 'after much wavering'.
常見錯誤
2. the quality or state of moving back and forth, shaking, or changing in an unstea
the quality or state of moving back and forth, shaking, or changing in an unsteady way
The wavering of the candle flame cast strange shadows across the bedroom walls.
collocation: wavering of a flame / candle
Defne noticed a slight wavering in the old man's hands as he lifted the teacup.
The wavering of the bridge in the strong wind made pedestrians feel uneasy.
Mei admired the wavering of the moonlight across the surface of the lake.
- trembling
implies smaller, faster movements, often from cold or fear
- flickering
specific to light or flame; suggests rapid on-off movement
- swaying
implies a larger, slower side-to-side movement
用法筆記
Describes physical phenomena (flames, heat, hands, structures) rather than emotions or decisions. Often followed by 'of' to specify what is moving unsteadily.
常見錯誤
wavering — verb
- waveringpresent simple I / you / we / they
- waverings3rd person singular
- waveringing-ing form
- waveringedpast simple
1. to feel uncertain about a choice, opinion, or plan of action, and struggle to de
to feel uncertain about a choice, opinion, or plan of action, and struggle to decide what to do
Eli wavered for a moment before accepting the promotion to team leader.
pattern: wavered for a moment before + gerund
The committee wavered between approving the new policy and rejecting it completely.
pattern: waver between + noun and noun
Anya never wavered in her support for the local community garden project.
Jenna wavered about telling her parents the truth about the car accident.
Even the most loyal supporters began to waver after the corruption scandal broke.
- decide
to make a firm choice
- stand firm
to refuse to change one's position
文法句型
waver + between + noun and noun
waver + about + noun/gerund
waver + in + noun
用法筆記
Often appears in negative constructions ('never wavered', 'did not waver') to express strong, steady commitment. Positive use describes a temporary moment of doubt.
常見錯誤
2. to move slowly from side to side because of weakness, imbalance, or external for
to move slowly from side to side because of weakness, imbalance, or external force
The man wavered on his feet before collapsing onto the park bench.
pattern: waver on one's feet
Beatrix wavered under the weight of the heavy boxes she was carrying upstairs.
The young tree wavered in the strong wind but did not fall over.
Eshe wavered as she tried to balance on the narrow wooden log across the stream.
- stand still
to remain motionless
- steady
to become stable and not move
文法句型
waver + on + noun
waver + under + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes physical instability of people or objects, not mental uncertainty.
常見錯誤
3. to shine or burn with an unsteady, changing light that moves quickly on and off
to shine or burn with an unsteady, changing light that moves quickly on and off or from side to side
The candle flame wavered as Padma walked quickly past the dining table.
collocation: flame wavered / candle wavered
Stars wavered faintly in the night sky above the quiet desert campsite.
The campfire wavered when a sudden gust of wind swept through the clearing.
The old television picture wavered for a moment before going completely dark.
- burn steadily
to burn or shine without changing
- glow
a steady, even light without movement
用法筆記
Used specifically for light sources (candles, flames, screens, stars). Cannot describe sounds or abstract concepts.
常見錯誤
4. to produce a sound that shakes or changes slightly in pitch, typically because o
to produce a sound that shakes or changes slightly in pitch, typically because of nervousness, strong emotion, or age
Yuki's voice wavered as she gave her first public speech in front of the class.
collocation: voice wavered
The old man's voice wavered, but he bravely kept singing until the end.
Bao's voice wavered with emotion when he thanked his family during the award ceremony.
Ada heard her own voice waver as she told her friend the painful story.
- stay steady
a voice that does not shake or change pitch
- ring out
a clear, strong sound without hesitation
文法句型
voice + wavers
waver + with + emotion
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively for human vocal sounds, not musical instruments or environmental noises. Frequently paired with 'with' to indicate the cause: 'waver with emotion', 'waver with fear'.