Practice Doddery with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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Decay and Degeneration

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Ineffectual and Obsolete

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SAT 16 (Scholastic Assessment Test)

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Suffix -ery

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doddery

Doddery (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˈdɒdəri/

What does doddery mean?

Feeble, unsteady, or lacking in strength and stability.
"The doddery old man struggled to cross the street."

Detailed Meaning of Doddery

When describing a person, it suggests advanced age and frailty, often accompanied by trembling or difficulty in movement. A doddery individual might exhibit a wobbly gait, shaky hands, or a tendency to stumble. This term can also be applied to inanimate objects or processes that are unstable or faltering. The word conveys a sense of vulnerability and a diminished capacity to perform tasks with ease or confidence.

Example Sentences for Doddery

1. She carefully helped her doddery grandmother up the stairs.
2. The doddery cat, now in its golden years, preferred lounging over chasing toys.
3. He is still charming despite his doddery walk.
4. The doddery dog could no longer chase after sticks like he used to.
5. The doddery antique clock on the wall struggled to keep time.
6. Her once nimble fingers were now doddery, but she still loved to knit.

Origin and Etymology of Doddery

The adjective 'doddery' has an interesting etymology that is less common in modern English usage. It is derived from the word 'dodder,' which means 'to tremble' or 'to shake.' 'Dodder' itself can be traced back to Middle English, where it had similar meanings. The transformation from 'dodder' to 'doddery' reflects the process of adding the suffix '-y,' which is often used to form adjectives indicating a quality or condition. Therefore, the etymology of 'doddery' conveys the idea of being feeble, unsteady, or lacking in strength and stability, as if one is prone to trembling or shaking. While the term may not be widely used today, it still evokes a sense of frailty or instability when describing someone who is doddery.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective doddery:

steady

firm

unstable

stable

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Doddery

1. He made a doddery attempt at recalling the events from fifty years ago.
2. The doddery building was on the verge of collapsing, swaying in the wind.
3. The once majestic oak stood doddery and frail in the yard.
4. The doddery robot in the museum was a relic from early robotics.
5. The professor, now doddery, still held the respect and adoration of his students.
6. The doddery handwriting in the old letter was barely legible.
7. His doddery movements were the result of many years of hard labor.
8. She tried to start the doddery old car, but the engine wouldn’t turn over.
9. The once fierce warrior now had a doddery gait but his spirit remained strong.
10. The doddery old bridge creaked under the weight of passing cars.
11. The wind rustled through the doddery old barn, making the wood moan.
12. The doddery washing machine shook and rattled as it cleaned the clothes.
13. He carefully handled the doddery old book, as its pages were very fragile.
14. The doddery old man struggled to climb the steep hill.
15. Her doddery handwriting showed signs of age and fragility.
16. The doddery bridge swayed in the strong winds, causing concern.
17. A doddery gait made it evident that he needed assistance.
18. The doddery tree's branches creaked and groaned in the storm.
19. A doddery voice crackled through the phone, hard to understand.
20. His doddery memory made it difficult to recall recent events.
21. The doddery table wobbled with the slightest touch.
22. A doddery ladder was unsafe for use and required repairs.
23. She supported her doddery grandmother as they walked together.
24. The doddery chair had seen better days, with wobbly legs and worn upholstery.