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Definition of haltingly

haltingly

/ˈhɔːl.tɪŋ.li/
halt · ing · ly
Adjective:halting
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haltingly Lexical Profile

haltingly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a hesitant, broken, or faltering manner, with frequent pauses or uncertainty (especially when speaking or progressing).

Example

"The nervous witness spoke haltingly as he tried to recall the exact sequence of events from that evening."

2

With an unsteady, limping, or hobbling gait.

Example

"After spraining his ankle on the rocky trail, the hiker walked haltingly back toward the base camp."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for haltingly

• Nearby Words

halter
halterneck
halting
haltingly
halve
halys
halys viper

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the participial adjective "halting" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly." In this context, "halt" descends from the Old English "healtian" (to limp or walk lamely), rather than the later German-derived military command "halt" meaning to come to a complete stop.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Haltingly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/haltingly
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