What does waveringly mean?
Waveringly means in a hesitant, unsteady, or indecisive manner. It is used for actions, movements, voices, and responses that suggest confidence is weakening or a decision is not settled. A person may reach a hand waveringly, speak with a voice that grows waveringly quiet, or give support that becomes waveringly conditional. The word is especially effective when it captures a temporary change in certainty: the person or situation is not necessarily unable to act, but is visibly reluctant, uncertain, or wavering. It appears in both formal and informal English in British and American usage. Although it can describe any unsteady behavior, it is most commonly associated with speech, physical movement, and changing attitudes or allegiances.
adverbIn an unsteady, hesitant, or indecisive manner.
- In a hesitant, unsteady, or indecisive manner.
"He waveringly extended his hand, then pulled it back."
"He waveringly extended his hand, then pulled it back."
"Her voice waveringly grew quieter as she approached the difficult part of the speech."
Waveringly captures the moment when confidence breaks: a hand reaches out, a voice falters, and a decision begins to lose its certainty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How waveringly is actually used
This adverb often describes a person's voice, movements, support, or response. It conveys hesitation and instability rather than simply a lack of skill or a deliberate pause.
Easily confused with waveringly
Waveringly describes movement or speech that is hesitant or unsteady, whereas waving means moving the hands or another object repeatedly to greet, signal, or propel it.