waver

Everyday

1. To be unsure and keep changing your mind; to hesitate: she wavered between the red and the blue. tree →
2. To become weaker or less steady: his courage wavered. tree →
3. To move or shake unsteadily: the candle flame wavered. tree →
4. Of a voice: to shake. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories to show doubt or fear: the hero's courage wavers. Everyday: wavering between choices. Values: «unwavering» loyalty. Science: a flame wavers in a draught. Toad's good promises always waver when he sees a motor car.

Examples

• She wavered between the two puppies. tree →
• His voice wavered as he spoke. tree →
• Toad's good resolutions wavered at the sound of a horn. tree →
• The candle flame wavered in the wind. tree →
• Her courage never wavered. tree →
• He wavered at the edge of the diving board. tree →
• But the prince did not waver, and declared he would abide by his words. tree →

Note

Regular verb: wavered, wavering. Homophone trap: waver (to hesitate) and waiver (giving up a right, in law). Adjective: unwavering = steady, never doubting.

In Jewish tradition

To waver is to doubt or slip in loyalty to God. The psalmist claims to trust God without wavering.

Interpretation. Tradition values steady faith and loyalty, and the prophet's call is to return to God without turning back and forth.

Examples

• Judge me, O LORD, for I have walked in mine integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. (Writings PSA.26.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, yea, return unto Me; and if thou wilt put away thy detestable things out of My sight, and wilt not waver; (Prophets JER.4.1, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: wavered, wavering. Homophone trap: waver (to hesitate) and waiver (giving up a right, in law). Adjective: unwavering = steady, never doubting.