What does quavery mean?
Quavery is an adjective describing something that trembles, quivers, or wavers. It is especially associated with nervousness, fear, anxiety, or other strong emotions, as in a quavery voice or a quavery smile. The word can also refer more generally to an unsteady movement or sound. Compared with “shaky,” which is common and often suggests poor physical balance, “quavery” is somewhat more literary and frequently conveys a visible or audible sign of emotional uncertainty. It is useful when describing the expression of feeling through the body or voice, especially in descriptions of speech, gestures, and facial expressions.
adjectiveTrembling or quivering, especially in a way that suggests nervousness, fear, or emotion. The word can also describe a voice or sound that is unsteady and wavering.
- Trembling or quivering, especially as a result of fear, nervousness, or emotion.
- Unsteady in movement or sound; wavering.
"She spoke in a small, quavery voice."
"The child lowered her quavery voice as the storm continued outside."
"He tried to maintain a quavery smile despite his obvious embarrassment."
Quavery captures the look or sound of something trembling with emotion before it becomes steady enough to speak.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quavery come from?
Quavery is formed from the stem of “quaver,” an English word meaning to tremble or shake, with the suffix “-y.” The word developed in the sense of trembling or unsteady, and it remains closely associated with quavering voices and movements. Its spelling reflects the influence of the more familiar verb “quaver,” with the added “-y” forming an adjective.
How quavery is actually used
Quavery is relatively uncommon and literary in tone. It is often used to describe a voice, smile, or other small physical movement that reveals nervousness or emotion.