Definition

Adjective: 1. Characterized by a slight, rapid, and often unsteady vibration in sound, especially in a voice: Describes a voice or musical tone that shakes or trembles, typically due to strong emotion, physical weakness, age, or fear. It implies a wavering, uncertain quality in the sound.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a voice due to emotion or age:
  • She answered in a quavering voice, barely holding back her tears.
  • The quavering notes of the old violin filled the quiet room.
• Describing a voice due to fear or weakness:
  • He gave a quavering testimony before the intimidating council.
  • A quavering cry for help came from the darkened alley.

Advanced Usage and Nuance

• Musical Terminology: In music, 'quavering' can describe a vocal or instrumental technique involving a rapid, slight variation in pitch (a tremolo or vibrato), though it often carries a connotation of being uncontrolled or emotional rather than a deliberate artistic effect.
  • The singer's final, quavering high note conveyed the character's despair perfectly.
• Literary and Descriptive Use: Frequently used in literature to evoke vulnerability, advanced age, intense feeling, or fragility.
  • The quavering light of the candle mirrored her quavering resolve.

Variants and Related Words

• Quaver (verb): To shake or tremble in sound, especially of the voice.
  • Her voice began to quaver as she spoke about the loss.
• Quaver (noun): 1. A shake or tremble in a voice. 2. (Chiefly British) A musical note having the time value of an eighth note.
  • There was a distinct quaver of excitement in his announcement.

Synonyms

• Tremulous: Shaking or quivering slightly. Often interchangeable, though 'tremulous' can apply more broadly to things other than sound (e.g., hands).
• Shaky: Unsteady in sound or movement.
• Wavering: Fluctuating in intensity or pitch.
• Faltering: Speaking hesitantly or with a loss of strength, often implying a break in the voice.

Antonyms

• Steady: Firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking.
• Firm: Strong and steady in sound or tone.
• Resonant: Deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• (To have) a quaver in one's voice: To speak with a slight tremble, revealing emotion.
  • Despite his confident words, there was a quaver in his voice that betrayed his nervousness.

Adjective

1. (of the voice) quivering as from weakness or fear
   • the old lady's quavering voice
   • spoke timidly in a tremulous voice