What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
teeter
Example
The vase teetered on the edge of the table before falling off. [teeter: verb]
Example
The children played on the teeter-totter in the park. [teeter-totter: noun]
Example
She teetered between accepting the job offer and staying at her current job. [teetered: past tense]
totter
Example
The old man tottered down the street with his cane. [tottered: past tense]
Example
The tower tottered in the earthquake, causing widespread panic. [tottered: verb]
Example
She felt her knees totter as she stood up too quickly. [totter: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Totter is less common than teeter in everyday language. Teeter is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while totter is more specific and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between teeter and totter?
While teeter can be used in both formal and informal contexts, totter is more formal and often used in literature or academic writing.
