Falter Meaning in English
word
ˈfɔɫtɝ
FAWL-ter
fˈɒltɐ
FOL-tuh
Definition
To begin to lose strength, confidence, or control, often hesitating or pausing; to move or speak in an unsteady way.
Usage & Nuances
More formal or literary term; common with 'voice', 'step', 'resolve' (e.g., 'her voice faltered'). Often expresses emotional difficulty or physical weakness. Avoid using for mere physical missteps—'stumble' fits better there.
Spanish: vacilar - titubear - flaquearPortuguese (BR): vacilar - hesitar - fraquejarPortuguese (PT): vacilar - hesitar - fraquejarChinese (Simplified): 犹豫 - 踌躇 - 动摇Chinese (Traditional): 猶豫 - 躊躇 - 動搖Hindi: डगमगाना - हिचकिचानाArabic: يتعثر - يترددBengali: দুলে যাওয়া - দ্বিধাগ্রস্ত হওয়া - বাধা পড়াRussian: колебаться - дрогнуть - спотыкаться (в речи или движении)Japanese: ためらう - よろめくVietnamese: chùn bước - nao núng - lưỡng lựKorean: 흔들리다 - 망설이다Turkish: tereddüt etmek - sendelemek (duygusal ya da konuşmada)Urdu: لرزنا - ہچکچاناIndonesian: goyah - ragu - terpeleset (dalam berbicara/gerakan)
Example Sentences
Her voice began to falter when she spoke about her childhood.
basic
He didn't falter even when things got difficult.
basic
The runner started to falter near the finish line.
basic
Don't falter now—you're almost there!
natural
Her confidence seemed to falter during the interview.
natural
His steps faltered as he heard the bad news.
natural