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quaver
[ kwey-ver ]
/ ˈkweɪ vər /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object)
to shake tremulously; quiver or tremble: He stood there quavering with fear.
to sound, speak, or sing tremulously: Her voice quavered a moment and then she regained control.
to perform trills in singing or on a musical instrument.
verb (used with object)
to utter, say, or sing with a quavering or tremulous voice.
noun
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OTHER WORDS FROM quaver
qua·ver·er, nounqua·ver·ing·ly, adverbqua·ver·y, qua·ver·ous, adjectiveun·qua·ver·ing, adjectiveWords nearby quaver
quatre, Quatre Bras, quatrefoil, quattrocento, quattuordecillion, quaver, quay, quayage, Quayle, quayside, quazzy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use quaver in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for quaver
quaver
/ (ˈkweɪvə) /
verb
to say or sing (something) with a trembling voice
(intr) (esp of the voice) to quiver, tremble, or shake
(intr) rare to sing or play quavers or ornamental trills
noun
music a note having the time value of an eighth of a semibreveUsual US and Canadian name: eighth note
a tremulous sound or note
Derived forms of quaver
quaverer, nounquavering, adjectivequaveringly, adverbquavery, adjectiveWord Origin for quaver
C15 (in the sense: to vibrate, quiver 1): from quaven to tremble, of Germanic origin; compare Low German quabbeln to tremble
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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