Dithered

The term 'dithered' refers to the state of being indecisive or wavering in one’s choices, actions, or opinions. It often implies a sense of nervousness or hesitation, where a person may struggle to make a decision due to uncertainty, fear of making a mistake, or lack of confidence. Dithering can manifest in both trivial matters, such as choosing what to eat, and significant decisions, like career moves, potentially leading to missed opportunities or frustration.

Dithered meaning with examples

• While preparing for the important presentation, Maria dithered over the best way to start her speech, repeatedly rewriting her opening line, which only increased her anxiety for the day.
• At the grocery store, Jake dithered between choosing the organic apples or the conventionally grown ones, weighing the pros and cons in his mind, ultimately leading to wasted time and decision fatigue.
• When it came to proposing to his girlfriend, Tom dithered for weeks as he overthought every aspect—from the perfect ring to the right moment—until a friend finally urged him to simply go for it.
• During the team meeting, the manager dithered about implementing the new policy, knowing it might upset some employees but fearing backlash if they didn’t innovate, further delaying the decision process.
• As her flight departure drew closer, Linda dithered over what to pack, second-guessing her choices and making numerous last-minute adjustments, nearly missing her boarding time in the chaos.