falter

IPA

Dictionary definition of falter

To hesitate, waver, or lose confidence, typically in the midst of an action or when faced with a challenge.
"The support of the public began to falter as the scandal broke."

Detailed meaning of falter

When someone falters, they experience a temporary interruption or uncertainty in their progress, often due to doubt, fear, or a lack of determination. This term is often used to describe moments when one's resolve weakens or their forward momentum falters, causing them to momentarily lose their footing or direction. For example, a speaker may falter during a public speech when they become nervous, causing them to stumble over their words. In a broader sense, "falter" signifies a momentary pause or setback in one's actions or plans, suggesting a need to regain confidence or composure before continuing.

Example sentences containing falter

1. She doesn't falter in the face of challenges; instead, she thrives.
2. Don't falter now; your determination will carry you through.
3. He won't falter, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
4. Despite the adversity, they continue to falter and rise stronger.
5. When things get tough, true leaders never falter in their resolve.
6. Your resolve to succeed should never falter, no matter the obstacles.

History and etymology of falter

The verb 'falter' has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'faldren' or 'falteren.' It is thought to be related to the Old Norse word 'faltr,' meaning 'to be unsteady' or 'to waver.' 'Falter' describes the act of hesitating, wavering, or losing confidence, often in the midst of an action or when faced with a challenge. It conveys the idea of a momentary loss of resolve or a disruption in one's steadiness. The etymology of 'falter' underscores its historical connection to the concept of unsteadiness and hesitation, emphasizing the idea of momentarily losing one's composure or resolve, particularly in the face of adversity or uncertainty.

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Further usage examples of falter

1. In the heat of competition, champions don't falter; they excel.
2. The team's spirit doesn't falter even when victory seems distant.
3. Keep your faith and don't falter; success is within reach.
4. When you encounter setbacks, remember not to falter but to persevere.
5. In times of doubt, remember that greatness doesn't falter.
6. Your determination won't falter; you're on the path to success.
7. When facing adversity, your inner strength won't falter.
8. Despite the challenges, their commitment won't falter.
9. In the pursuit of your dreams, don't let your resolve falter.
10. Even when the journey is tough, your spirit won't falter.
11. The team's unity doesn't falter under pressure.
12. When the going gets tough, your determination won't falter.
13. She won't let setbacks cause her to falter in her goals.
14. His dedication doesn't falter; he keeps moving forward.
15. They won't falter in their mission to make a positive impact.
16. Keep pushing forward, and your resolve won't falter.
17. In the face of adversity, your spirit won't falter.
18. Their commitment to the cause won't falter, no matter what.
19. Despite the challenges, they won't falter in their pursuit of excellence.