Waver
mediumNegative toneWAY-ver
verb
Definition
to be irresolute or hesitate between choices
Memory hook
WAVER: picture a flag WAVing back and forth in the wind, unable to settle on one direction.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“She never wavered in her support, even when the cause grew unpopular.”
“He began to waver once he saw the steep cost of his decision.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“She never ______ in her support, even when the cause grew unpopular.”
Show answer
wavered
Categories
GRE Tip
Waver is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "vacillate" or "hesitate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "resolve".
Related GRE Words
oscillate
to swing back and forth; waver between positions or states
flag
(verb) To become tired or less enthusiastic; to decline in vigor
flounder
To struggle clumsily or helplessly; to be in serious difficulty
fluctuate
To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount
ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
boorish
rude, ill-mannered, and insensitive
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