quaveringly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In an unsteady, trembling, or quivering manner: Describes an action performed with a voice, sound, or movement that shakes or trembles, typically due to fear, emotion, weakness, or age.
Usage
- The adverb quaveringly is used to modify a verb, describing an action is performed. It most commonly describes speaking or singing with a shaky, unsteady voice.
- It is a formal or literary word, often used in descriptive writing.
Examples
- Adverb:
- She answered the judge's question quaveringly, her nerves evident to everyone in the courtroom.
- The old man spoke quaveringly of his experiences during the war.
- "I'm not sure," he said quaveringly, his confidence shattered.
Advanced Usage
- "to say/speak/quaveringly": This is the most common construction, directly linking the trembling quality to the act of vocalization.
- The witness recounted the events quaveringly.
- It can also describe other actions performed with a trembling quality.
- His hand reached out quaveringly to touch the ancient manuscript.
Variants and Related Words
- Quaver (verb): To shake or tremble in sound, especially of the voice.
- Her voice began to quaver as she described the accident.
- Quaver (noun): A shake or tremble in a voice or musical sound; also a musical note.
- There was a noticeable quaver in his speech.
- Quavering (adjective): Having a quavering quality.
- He heard a quavering voice from the other room.
Synonyms
- Tremulously: In a trembling or shaking manner.
- Shakily: In an unsteady or trembling way.
- Falteringly: In a hesitant or unsteady manner.
Antonyms
- Steadily: In a firm, regular, and unwavering manner.
- Confidently: In a self-assured and strong manner.
- Firmly: In a strong, solid, and unwavering way.
Related Phrases and Idioms
(Note: "Quaveringly" itself is not typically part of phrasal verbs or common idioms. Its usage is primarily as a descriptive adverb.) - In a quavering voice: A common phrase with the same meaning as the adverb. - She made her request in a quavering voice.
Adverb
- in an unsteady quavering manner
- the man began quaveringly to question the soldier