To move unsteadily back and forth; to be indecisive or show uncertainty about a decision or opinion. Can refer to both physical wavering and mental hesitation.
From Middle English 'waveren', related to 'wave' and possibly influenced by Old Norse 'vafra' (to flicker). The sense of mental indecision developed from the physical motion of moving back and forth uncertainly.
There's a beautiful parallel between the physical and mental meanings - just as a candle flame wavers in the wind, our resolve can waver under pressure. The word captures that visible uncertainty that we can often see in someone's eyes when they're struggling with a difficult decision.
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