falter
/ˈfɒltə(r)/
Group 22Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To start to lose strength or momentum; to speak hesitantly GRE
Example in Context
The economic recovery faltered in the third quarter as consumer confidence declined in response to rising geopolitical tensions.
Synonyms
stumblehesitatewaver
Etymology
To hesitate or lose strength, often in speech or action.
- fallere (Latin) — to deceive, to err
Memory Aid
😬Sounds like “fall-ter”
When you FALL-Ter while trying to dance, it’s like your feet are playing tricks on you!
Visual Association
😳A person trying to speak confidently but stumbling over their words, cheeks turning red from embarrassment.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “falter” mean on the GRE?
falter (verb) means “To start to lose strength or momentum; to speak hesitantly”. The economic recovery faltered in the third quarter as consumer confidence declined in response to rising geopolitical tensions.
How to remember “falter” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “falter” sounds like “fall-ter”. When you FALL-Ter while trying to dance, it’s like your feet are playing tricks on you!
What are synonyms for “falter”?
Common synonyms: stumble, hesitate, waver.