Definition

A speech disorder where a person has difficulty speaking smoothly, often repeating sounds or syllables.

Example

His stutter made it hard for him to speak in front of the class.

Conversation

I noticed you had a little stutter when you spoke earlier.

Yeah, it happens sometimes, especially when I'm nervous.

I think it's totally normal to have a stutter now and then.

Thanks for understanding! It helps to talk about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To speak in a way that involves repeating sounds or syllables, often due to nervousness or difficulty in speaking.

Example

He tends to stutter when he is anxious or excited.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I noticed you tend to stutter when you're nervous.

Yeah, it happens sometimes, especially in big crowds.

Have you tried practicing in front of a mirror to help with your stutter?

Root Explanation

Stutter originates from Middle English 'stuttren', which is of uncertain origin but is thought to be imitative of the sound of stuttering. The word describes the act of speaking with involuntary pauses or repetitions of sounds.

Memory Tip

Imagine the sound of someone struggling to speak, which is what 'stutter' represents — it mimics the very sound of the speech difficulty.

Visually Confused Words