# waveringly

**Pronunciation:** /ˈweɪvərɪŋli/ · WAY-ver-ing-lee

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In an unsteady, hesitant, or indecisive manner, often suggesting a lack of confidence or firmness.

## Examples

- She spoke waveringly, unsure if her answer was correct.
- The old man walked waveringly across the icy path, gripping the railing.
- His commitment to the plan was expressed waveringly, indicating his doubts.

## Synonyms

- hesitantly — Suggests pausing before acting or speaking.
- unsteadily — Emphasizes physical lack of balance or firmness.
- indecisively — Highlights mental struggle to make a decision.
- irresolutely — More formal; implies a lack of determination or purpose.

## Antonyms

- firmly — With solid conviction or stability.
- steadily — Without change or movement; consistently.
- resolutely — With strong determination and purpose.

## Common patterns

- speak waveringly — To speak with an unsure or trembling voice. — He spoke waveringly, his voice barely audible.
- walk waveringly — To walk in an unsteady or hesitant way. — The injured bird flew waveringly towards its nest.
- answer waveringly — To give an answer with hesitation or uncertainty. — She answered waveringly, not fully convinced of her own words.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/waveringly

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