Haltedly

Haltedly describes an action or speech performed with hesitation, uncertainty, or frequent stops and starts. It implies a lack of confidence, fluency, or decisiveness. The movement or expression is jerky, irregular, and often reflects inner conflict or an attempt to navigate unfamiliar territory. It can apply to physical actions, such as walking or speaking, or more abstract processes like decision-making. The word suggests a disruption of flow, a stumbling, or a struggle to proceed smoothly, often due to fear, doubt, or lack of preparation.

Haltedly meaning with examples

• He approached the podium, his steps halting, and began his speech haltingly. His voice quivered, reflecting his anxiety about the unfamiliar crowd, pausing between each phrase as if unsure of the words. The audience perceived his lack of self-assurance, and his message failed to connect as a result.
• The old car sputtered, started, and then drove off haltingly down the lane. The aged engine coughed and protested with each gear change, its movement reflecting the car's tired old frame, as it eventually gained momentum. The uneven ride made a slow journey as its only option.
• She explained her side of the argument haltingly, frequently interrupting herself to reconsider her words and her responses. The hesitant nature of her speech revealed a deep emotional insecurity, with a genuine struggle to organize her thoughts and articulate her true feelings effectively to the others.
• After his accident, he began to walk haltingly, his gait unsteady and awkward. The physical therapy helped, but the mental scars persisted, making each step a struggle. Eventually, he was able to take short strides, but a full recovery of his stride and mobility was doubtful.
• The detective questioned the suspect haltingly, carefully choosing his words to extract the information and to keep his options open. He wanted the suspect to reveal all and every nuance so that the whole picture would emerge. His strategy would hopefully reveal the truth.