quavering
Shaking while speaking
Quavering describes a voice or sound that trembles or wavers, typically from weakness, fear, age, or emotion: Her quavering voice betrayed her nervousness, The old man spoke in quavering tones.
The tremor suggests vulnerability or uncertainty—a voice not quite under control.
Trembling or unstable
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- falteringBecoming unsteady or weak
- tremulousShaky from fear
- unsteadyLacking balance or stability
wobbly · breaking · cracking · warbling · vibrato · reedy · thin · weak
Involuntary bodily trembling
- shudderingConvulsive trembling motion
- vibratingTrembling rapidly in place
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
- pulsatingBeating in rhythmic surges
oscillating · twitching · juddering · palpitating · rippling · shaking · convulsing
Slow to act
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
- unsureLacking confidence or certainty
- indecisiveUnable to make choices
- vacillatingSwaying between choices
irresolute · doubtful · wavering · faltering · ambivalent · equivocal · undecided · noncommittal
Showing nervous apprehension
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
- nervousUneasy and apprehensive
- anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
- frightenedExperiencing sudden fear
timid · scared · fearful · cowardly · meek · skittish · jittery · trepidatious
shaky
Trembling or unstable
unsteady · wobbly · breaking · cracking · warbling · vibrato · reedy · thin · weak · feeble
shivering
Involuntary bodily trembling
- shudderingConvulsive trembling motion
- vibratingTrembling rapidly in place
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
pulsating · oscillating · twitching · juddering · palpitating · rippling · shaking · convulsing
hesitant
Slow to act
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
- unsureLacking confidence or certainty
- indecisiveUnable to make choices
vacillating · irresolute · doubtful · wavering · faltering · ambivalent · equivocal · undecided · noncommittal · unsteady
timorous
Showing nervous apprehension
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
- nervousUneasy and apprehensive
- anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
frightened · timid · scared · fearful · cowardly · meek · skittish · jittery · trepidatious · diffident