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
1
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."
2
To sway or move unsteadily, as if about to fall or fail.
"The flame wavered in the draft from the open door."
noun
1
An instance of hesitating or losing steadiness.
"There was a slight waver in his voice as he spoke."
How to use waver
Learner’s notesIn 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
Common pairings
waver in one's resolve
never waver
voice wavered
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Word forms
- Plural
- wavers
- Third person singular
- wavers
- Past tense
- wavered
- Archaic forms
- waverest, waveredst, wavereth
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for waver
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.
