quavering

[ˈkweɪvərɪŋ]

adjective/verb (present participle)

tremendo/trêmulo

1. Shaking or trembling, especially of the voice

She spoke in a quavering voice as she delivered the eulogy.

Ela falou com uma voz tremenda enquanto proferia o elogio fúnebre.

2. Wavering or uncertain in tone or manner

His quavering confidence made everyone doubt his abilities.

Sua confiança hesitante fez todos duvidarem de suas habilidades.

3. Moving with a quivering motion

The quavering light of the candle cast dancing shadows on the wall.

A luz trêmula da vela projetava sombras dançantes na parede.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

tremendo/trêmulo

Most common usage across Brazil

São Paulo

tremendo/instável

Often emphasizes uncertainty or instability

Rio de Janeiro

tremendo/vacilante

Common in casual speech

Portugal

trémulo/vacilante

Uses European Portuguese spelling with accent marks

quavering voice - voz tremenda/vacilante (indicating emotion or fear)

quavering with emotion - tremendo de emoção (shaking with feeling)

quavering resolution - resolução vacilante (uncertain determination)

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