Word: wobbly

Associations

"Wobbly" describes something that is unsteady or shaky. You might think of things that are not firm and can move in different directions easily.

• A "wobbly table" means the table is not stable and rocks back and forth.
• A "wobbly bike" means that the bike feels unsteady, maybe because the tires are not inflated properly.
• If someone is "wobbly on their feet," it means they are having trouble walking steadily, often because they are tired or dizzy.

A synonym for "wobbly" is "unsteady." The main difference is that while "wobbly" often suggests a side-to-side movement, "unsteady" can refer to anything that lacks stability, including forward backward movements.

Substitution

You could use other words like "shaky" or "unstable."

• "Shaky" often implies that something is vibrating or trembling, like "shaky hands" from nerves.
• "Unstable" can mean that something is not firmly positioned, such as "unstable ground" which is dangerous.

Deconstruction

The word "wobbly" comes from the root "wobble," which means to move unsteadily from side to side. There is no prefix or suffix, making it straightforward. The sound of "wobble" suggests a light, playful movement, often used in a fun context.

Inquiry

• When have you felt wobbly, either physically or emotionally?
• Can you think of an object that is wobbly in your surroundings?
• How would you describe a time when you experienced something that made you feel unsteady?