What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluctuate
Example
The stock market prices fluctuated throughout the day. [fluctuated: past tense]
Example
The temperature in this region fluctuates greatly between day and night. [fluctuates: present simple]
waver
Example
She wavered between two options before finally making a decision. [wavered: past tense]
Example
His confidence in his abilities began to waver after receiving criticism. [waver: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fluctuate is more common than waver in technical or scientific contexts, but waver is more common in personal or emotional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fluctuate and waver?
Fluctuate is generally considered more formal than waver, which has a more casual or conversational tone.
