quaver

• Nom désignant un son tremblant ou vacillant, ou une note de musique valant un huitième d'une note entière.

A noun referring to a tremulous or shaking sound, or a musical note with the time value of an eighth of a whole note.

1. Tremulous soundB2formal

   A trembling or shaking sound, especially in a person's voice, often caused by emotion or nervousness.

   tremblement de la voix

   • There was a quaver in her voice as she spoke about the accident.
   • He answered with a slight quaver, betraying his anxiety.
   • The old man's voice had a gentle quaver.

   Synonymesquivershakeshakinesstrembletremblingtremorvibrationvibrato

   Antonymesfirmnessstabilitysteadiness

2. B2formalart

   A musical note with the time value of an eighth of a whole note, also known as an eighth note.

   croche (note de musique)

   • The piece begins with a series of rapid quavers.
   • She played the melody using quavers and semiquavers.
   • The rhythm section emphasized the quaver beat.

   Synonymeseighth note

• Verbe décrivant un son de voix tremblant ou vibrant, souvent dû à la nervosité, à la peur ou à l'émotion.

A verb used to describe a trembling or shaking sound in one's voice, often due to nervousness, fear, or emotion.

1. Tremble or shake in soundB2formal

   To speak or sing with a trembling or unsteady voice, often due to emotion or nervousness.

   Trembler en parlant ou en chantant

   • Her voice quavered as she delivered the sad news.
   • The old man's voice quavered with age and emotion.
   • He quavered through his speech, barely able to control his nerves.

   Synonymesfalterquivershaketremblewaverwobble

2. Sing or play with trillsC1formal

   To produce a musical trill, alternating rapidly between two adjacent notes.

   Triller

   • The soprano quavered beautifully during the aria.
   • The violinist quavered the note, adding a delicate ornamentation.
   • He quavered the melody, giving it a lively, baroque feel.

   Synonymesshaketrillwarble