Haltingly

/ˈhɔːltɪŋli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb
In a hesitant or uncertain manner; with pauses or interruptions.
She spoke haltingly, struggling to find the right words.
Characterized by stops and starts; intermittently.
The child recited the poem haltingly, unsure of some lines.
With a lack of confidence or assurance.
He delivered his presentation haltingly, clearly nervous in front of the audience.
In a way that suggests difficulty in speaking or proceeding.
The customer explained his complaint haltingly, pausing to gather his thoughts.
With a faltering or unsteady rhythm.
The dancer moved haltingly across the stage, as if unsure of her steps.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 'halt', meaning to stop or to pause.

Common Phrases and Expressions

halting speech
Speech characterized by frequent pauses or interruptions.
to speak haltingly
To speak in a way that is marked by hesitations.

Related Words

halt
To come to a stop.
hesitant
Unsure or uncertain.
stutter
To speak with difficulty, repeating sounds.

Slang Meanings

To pause frequently due to nervousness
He was so nervous during the presentation, he spoke haltingly.
To take a long time to get the words out
She was haltingly trying to explain herself and it took forever.