# waver

/ˈweɪvɝ/ (US) · /wˈeɪvɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/waver
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

to become weak or lose confidence in a decision. You use this when someone cannot decide between two choices or starts to doubt their plan.

For teachers: to exhibit indecision or vacillate between different opinions or courses of action; to flicker or become unsteady. Often describes a physical movement or a psychological state of doubt.

## Examples

- She did not waver in her decision to quit.
- Despite the heavy criticism from the press, the prime minister refused to waver on the new tax policy.
- As the deadline approached, his resolve began to waver, and he found himself reconsidering the very terms he had previously deemed non-negotiable.

## Pitfalls

- Not "he wavered his hand" but "he waved his hand" — Learners often confuse 'waver' (to hesitate or flicker) with 'wave' (to move the hand to say hello).

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object; often followed by 'between' or 'on'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.