verb

waver

WAY-vuh

Waver (verb) means to hesitate or show signs of doubt, especially about a decision or resolve. Example: “He wavered before finally signing the contract.”

verb

To hesitate or show signs of doubt, especially about a decision or resolve.

"He wavered before finally signing the contract."

"Her support for the plan never wavered, even under pressure."

To sway or move unsteadily, as if about to fall or fail.

"The flame wavered in the draft from the open door."

noun

An instance of hesitating or losing steadiness.

"There was a slight waver in his voice as he spoke."

How to use waver

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo hesitate, lose confidence, or become unsteady.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "waiver," a legal document giving up a right — they sound identical but are unrelated in meaning.

Easily confused with

waiver →

Common pairings

waver in one's resolve never waver voice wavered

Word forms

wavered past tense, waver plural, wavered plural, wavers plural, wavers plural, wavers plural, wavers singular, waver singular, wavered singular, waverest singular, waveredst singular, wavereth singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ before finally signing the contract.

Etymology

From Middle English waveren, related to Old English wafian ("to wave"), sharing a root with the word "wave" itself.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for waver

aver saver beaver weaver shaver slaver braver Seaver cadaver cleaver lifesaver

See all rhymes for waver →

Frequently asked questions

What does “waver” mean?

The word “waver” means to hesitate or show signs of doubt, especially about a decision or resolve. In plain terms, to hesitate, lose confidence, or become unsteady.

How do you pronounce “waver”?

“Waver” is pronounced WAY-vuh (/ˈweɪvəɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “waver” in a sentence?

Here is “waver” used in a sentence: “He wavered before finally signing the contract.”

What part of speech is “waver”?

Depending on how it is used, “waver” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “waver” come from?

The word “waver” comes from Old English. From Middle English waveren, related to Old English wafian ("to wave"), sharing a root with the word "wave" itself.

How many meanings does “waver” have?

“Waver” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hesitate or show signs of doubt, especially about a decision or resolve.