TEETER Meaning and
Definition
-
Teeter is a verb that refers to a back-and-forth or unsteady motion, often characterized by an uncertain or precarious movement. It describes the action of balancing or wavering on the edge of something, as if on the brink of tipping or falling over.
When used in a physical sense, "teeter" typically suggests a hesitant or unstable movement caused by an external force or inherent instability. For instance, a person teeters on the edge of a cliff when they are cautiously trying to maintain equilibrium despite the threat of falling into the void below. Similarly, an object placed precariously on an unsteady surface may teeter, swaying slightly from side to side without toppling over.
Beyond its physical connotations, "teeter" also captures a sense of wavering or fluctuating in a figurative or emotional context. It can denote a state of indecision or uncertainty, where one is hesitating or vacillating between different choices or opinions. For example, an individual may teeter between accepting a job offer or pursuing further studies, weighing the pros and cons before making a decision. In this sense, "teeter" encompasses the idea of being on the verge or brink of something, yet unable to commit definitively in one direction.
In summary, teeter implies an unsteady or hesitant movement, physical or otherwise, with its characteristic back-and-forth motion and the sense of precarious balance or instability.
Common Misspellings for TEETER
Etymology of TEETER
The word "teeter" has its origins in the Middle Dutch word "toteren", which means "to totter" or "to shake". This Middle Dutch word is derived from the Old Dutch word "tōtōn", meaning "to stagger" or "to swing". Over time, this term transformed into "teeter" in English, retaining its sense of unsteadiness or instability.
Idioms with the word TEETER
-
teeter on the brink/edge of something
The idiom "teeter on the brink/edge of something" means to be very close to a critical or dangerous situation, usually implying that a negative outcome is imminent or likely. It suggests being in a precarious position with little margin for error or a state of uncertainty, as if one could easily fall or fail.
-
teeter on the edge of (something)
The idiom "teeter on the edge of (something)" means to be in a situation where a very small change could cause a significant shift or result in a particular outcome, usually a negative one. It implies being in a precarious or unstable position, with a sense of impending danger or failure.
-
teeter on the brink (or edge)
The idiom "teeter on the brink (or edge)" refers to being in a precarious or unstable situation, often with the possibility of imminent danger or failure. It implies being on the threshold or verge of something negative, and there is a sense of being just one step away from a negative outcome or disaster.
-
teeter on the brink of (something)
The idiom "teeter on the brink of (something)" means to be on the verge of or very close to a particular situation, usually a challenging or dangerous one. It suggests being in a precarious or unstable state, indicating that any slight movement or misstep could lead to a significant consequence or outcome.
-
teeter on the brink/edge of sth
To "teeter on the brink/edge of something" means to be very close to a dangerous or negative situation, often implying a state of uncertainty, instability, or potential disaster. It conveys the idea that one is on the verge of experiencing a significant and possibly irreversible change or consequence.
Similar spelling words for TEETER
Conjugate verb Teeter
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have teetered
you
would have teetered
he/she/it
would have teetered
we
would have teetered
they
would have teetered
I
would have teeter
you
would have teeter
he/she/it
would have teeter
we
would have teeter
they
would have teeter
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been teetering
you
would have been teetering
he/she/it
would have been teetering
we
would have been teetering
they
would have been teetering
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would teeter
you
would teeter
he/she/it
would teeter
we
would teeter
they
would teeter
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be teetering
you
would be teetering
he/she/it
would be teetering
we
would be teetering
they
would be teetering
FUTURE
I
will teeter
you
will teeter
he/she/it
will teeter
we
will teeter
they
will teeter
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be teetering
you
will be teetering
he/she/it
will be teetering
we
will be teetering
they
will be teetering
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have teetered
you
will have teetered
he/she/it
will have teetered
we
will have teetered
they
will have teetered
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been teetering
you
will have been teetering
he/she/it
will have been teetering
we
will have been teetering
they
will have been teetering
IMPERATIVE
you
teeter
we
let´s teeter
to teeter
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was teetering
you
were teetering
he/she/it
was teetering
we
were teetering
they
were teetering
PAST PARTICIPLE
teetered
PAST PERFECT
I
had teetered
you
had teetered
he/she/it
had teetered
we
had teetered
they
had teetered
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been teetering
you
had been teetering
he/she/it
had been teetering
we
had been teetering
they
had been teetering
PRESENT
I
teeter
you
teeter
he/she/it
teeters
we
teeter
they
teeter
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am teetering
you
are teetering
he/she/it
is teetering
we
are teetering
they
are teetering
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
teetering
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have teetered
you
have teetered
he/she/it
has teetered
we
have teetered
they
have teetered
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been teetering
you
have been teetering
he/she/it
has been teetering
we
have been teetering
they
have been teetering
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
teeter
SIMPLE PAST
I
teetered
you
teetered
he/she/it
teetered
we
teetered
they
teetered
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
