balbutiate
|bal-bu-ti-ate|
C2
/bælˈbʌtɪeɪt/
speak haltingly
Etymology
Etymology Information
'balbutiate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'balbutire' (to stammer).
Historical Evolution
'balbutire' passed into Old French as 'balbutier' and later entered English in the form 'balbutiate' (with the verb-forming suffix '-ate') in modern usage.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to stammer' in Latin and Old French; this core sense has been retained into modern English as 'to speak haltingly or stammer.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to speak haltingly or with involuntary repetition of sounds; to stammer or stutter.
When asked a difficult question, he began to balbutiate and could not finish his answer.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 13:32