to falter

Examples

• All

• When the truth dawned on him, he faltered, and sweat gathered on his high and noble forehead.

  Fiction book (1997)

• Then, as he began the later lines of the last verse, he faltered.

  Fiction book (1990)

• Grace said, in a faltering voice, "--

  Fiction book (1993)

• Her voice faltered for some reason over this reference to Pete? "came out two years ago.

  Fiction book (1995)

• When the teacher faltered into silence, the old man said, "Go on!"

  Fiction book (2002)

• A small smile faltered on her lips.

  Fiction book (2000)

• "What do you think about Elizabeth's big news?" he asked with a faltering smile.

  Fiction book (2000)

• You must have seen me, I cried out again, my voice faltering from fear and exhaustion.

• I don't know," he falters. "The judge specifically said that I was foreman."

  Fiction book (1996)

• She faltered in her speech when discussing her hopes for the future, revealing her uncertainty.

Synonyms

H

to hesitate

vsto falter

318 2.5

To pause before saying or doing something because you feel unsure

is speech that shows emotional or unsteady hesitation rather than a simple pause

S

to stutter

vsto falter

57 4.9

To speak with difficulty by repeating sounds or pausing often

is hesitant speech due to uncertainty or emotion rather than a repeating speech problem

S

to stammer

vsto falter

26 4.8

To speak with short pauses and repeated sounds that make words hard to understand

is general hesitant speech from uncertainty or feeling rather than a neurological pattern

S

to splutter

vsto falter

4 7.5

To speak in short, broken sounds when angry or shocked

is hesitant or unsteady speech from uncertainty rather than breathy emotional outbursts

H

to hem and haw

vsto falter

• Informal

3 8.4

To speak slowly and pause instead of answering clearly because you feel unsure

is hesitant speech caused by uncertainty or emotion rather than deliberate delaying

S

to stumble over one's words

vsto falter

• Informal

1 5.6

To speak with small pauses and mistakes because you are nervous

is hesitation from uncertainty or emotion rather than simple momentary slips

Antonyms

A

to assert

229 3.9

To clearly and firmly say your needs or opinions

S

to speak clearly

7 1.0

Say words so other people can easily understand you

How Hesitant

stutter

• Specialized

17 4.1

to stammer

26 4.8

to falter

4 5.4

to hesitate

318 2.5

to pause

346 1.0

to speak

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology