Definition

1. 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

1. in an unsteady quavering manner
   • the man began quaveringly to question the soldier