Pronunciation: [kwˈe͡ɪvəɹɪ] (IPA) 
The word "quavery" is spelled with six letters and has two syllables, with the primary stress on the first. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈkwɛɪ.vər.i/. The first syllable is pronounced as /kwɛɪ/, with the "qu" sound being equivalent to /kw/. The second syllable is pronounced as /vər.i/, with the "a" being pronounced as /ə/. "Quavery" is an adjective used to describe a voice that is shaky or trembling.
Quavery is an adjective that describes something having a trembling or wavering quality, typically associated with sound or the voice. It is derived from the word 'quaver', which means to shake or tremble. When something is described as quavery, it indicates a noticeable unstable or unsteady characteristic in its tone or pitch.
In terms of sound, a quavery voice or sound often has a distinct trembling or tremulousness, suggesting a lack of strength or control. It can refer to a voice that is weakly or hesitantly fluctuating in pitch, giving it an uncertain or wavering quality. This may be due to nervousness, fear, or fatigue, causing the voice to quaver or shake uncontrollably.
Furthermore, the term quavery can also be used to describe musical notes or melodies that have an unsteady or uneven texture. It suggests a wavering or unbalanced quality in the pitch or rhythm, often associated with a lack of precision or accuracy in the musical performance.
Outside of the realm of sound, quavery can also convey a figurative sense of uncertainty or hesitation in someone's actions or demeanor. It can describe a person who appears unsteady, tentative, or lacking confidence in their movements or behavior.
In summary, quavery refers to a trembling or wavering quality, particularly in terms of sound, voice, or musical performance. It suggests a lack of stability, control, or certainty in its characteristic.
The word "quavery" is derived from the noun "quaver", which can refer to a musical note played in a short, trembling manner. "Quaver" originated from the Middle English word "quaveren", which meant to shake or tremble. This Middle English term came from the Old English word "cwefan", meaning to shake or tremble, derived from the Proto-Germanic root "kwepan" with a similar meaning. Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*gweip-", meaning to move back and forth or tremble.
