wavered

USAGE SUMMARY

"wavered" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the verb "wavered" when someone hesitates, wavers, or changes their opinion about something. For example, "My friend wavered on her decision to join the club, but eventually decided against it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For months they have wavered little in their verdict.

The Guardian - Opinion

During a whirlwind tour of TV studios and private meetings in the IMF's Washington HQ, he never once wavered from this stance.

The Guardian

"It's torturous, unforgiving, such a niggling pace," said Wiggins, although he conceded that he "had no physically bad spells, just a couple of moments when I wavered".

The Guardian - Sport

So despite our good working relationship with the previous mayor, we never wavered from criticising him when he mucked up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though she has at least supported a pathway to citizenship since 2006, Clinton herself has wavered in her support for other issues important to Latino and immigration reform advocates.

The Guardian

He has sustained a lot and never wavered.

The Guardian

Any frustration Murray was feeling quickly evaporated as he began the fourth set strongly, another sign of a focus that has barely wavered all fortnight.

The Guardian - Sport

His mutual love affair with his public never wavered, but in 1978 he announced a sabbatical from concert life.

The Guardian - Music

Its sales have risen only slowly in the past three years, and its profits have wavered, even dipping into losses in 1994 (see chart).

The Economist

Our belief in him has not wavered".

The Guardian - Sport

As NIMBY opposition grew, politicians wavered.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wavered" to indicate a temporary lack of conviction or firmness, especially when describing a change in opinion or direction.

Common error

Avoid using "wavered" to describe a constant or unchanging state of indecision. "Wavered" implies a change or fluctuation, not a fixed condition.

Linguistic Context

The word "wavered" functions primarily as a verb, typically in the past tense, describing an action of hesitating or fluctuating. According to Ludwig, it indicates uncertainty or instability. Examples show its use in describing decisions, beliefs, or support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "wavered" is a verb that effectively conveys the idea of hesitation, fluctuation, or instability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Primarily found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it indicates a temporary lack of conviction or a change in stance. When writing, remember that "wavered" implies a shift rather than a permanent state, as highlighted in common errors. Whether discussing political decisions or personal opinions, "wavered" serves as a nuanced way to express uncertainty or change, contributing depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fluctuated

Implies irregular rise and fall in number or amount.

vacillated

Suggests indecision between different opinions or actions.

hesitated

Indicates a pause before doing something due to uncertainty.

faltered

Describes a temporary loss of strength or confidence.

fluctuated in resolve

This alternative adds emphasis on changes in commitment.

showed indecision

Highlights the act of visibly displaying a lack of decision.

demonstrated uncertainty

Similar to "showed indecision" but emphasizes the feeling of uncertainty.

proved irresolute

Emphasizes a lack of firm decision-making skills.

was ambivalent

Suggests holding mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.

became uncertain

Highlights the process of becoming doubtful or unsure.

FAQs

How can I use "wavered" in a sentence?

You can use "wavered" to describe someone who hesitates or fluctuates in their decision. For example, "She "wavered" between staying and leaving."

What are some alternatives to saying "wavered"?

Alternatives to "wavered" include "hesitated", "fluctuated", and "vacillated" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "wavered in" or "wavered on"?

Both "wavered in" and "wavered on" can be correct depending on the context. "Wavered in" might be used to describe wavering in belief or commitment, while "wavered on" is often used when discussing a decision or opinion.

What's the difference between "wavered" and "faltered"?

"Wavered" suggests a back-and-forth movement or indecision, while "faltered" implies a loss of strength or momentum. One might "waver" on a decision, but "falter" in their resolve.