Definition

1. Noun:

   • A musical note having the time value of an eighth of a whole note: In musical notation, a quaver is a note that lasts for half the duration of a crotchet (quarter note).
   • A tremulous sound: A quaver can refer to a slight shake or tremor in a voice or sound, often indicating emotion, weakness, or age.

2. Verb:

   • To sing or play with trills, alternating with the half note above or below: In music, to quaver means to produce a trill or a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes.
   • To give off unsteady sounds, alternating in amplitude or frequency: More generally, to quaver means for a voice or sound to shake or tremble unsteadily.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Musical Note):

  • The melody is full of quick quavers.
  • A quaver is equivalent to two semiquavers.

• Noun (Tremulous Sound):

  • There was a quaver in her voice as she delivered the sad news.
  • The old man's speech was marked by a constant quaver.

• Verb (To Trill in Music):

  • The soprano learned to quaver beautifully on the high note.
  • The flute part requires you to quaver on this passage.

• Verb (To Shake or Tremble):

  • His voice began to quaver with fear.
  • "I'm not sure," she quavered, unable to hide her nervousness.

Advanced Usage

• "To quaver out": To say something in a trembling, unsteady voice.
  • He managed to quaver out an apology before breaking down.

Variants and Related Words

• Quavering (adj): Describing a voice or sound that is shaking or trembling.
  • She answered in a quavering tone.
• Quaveringly (adv): In a quavering manner.
  • He spoke quaveringly of his ordeal.

Synonyms

• Noun (Sound): Tremor, shake, vibration, quiver.
• Verb (To tremble): Tremble, shake, quiver, waver.

Related Phrases

• A quaver in one's voice: The presence of a tremor in one's speech, often due to strong emotion.
  • Despite his confidence, there was a noticeable quaver in his voice during the speech.

Noun

1. a musical note having the time value of an eighth of a whole note
2. a tremulous sound

Verb

1. sing or play with trills, alternating with the half note above or below
2. give off unsteady sounds, alternating in amplitude or frequency