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fumble

verb

/ˈfʌm bəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of fumble

To handle something clumsily or awkwardly, often resulting in a lack of control, coordination, or precision.
"He always seems to fumble his words when speaking in public."

Detailed meaning of fumble

It can apply to physical actions, such as dropping or mishandling an object, as well as to mental or verbal actions, such as stumbling over words or making mistakes in speech. When someone fumbles, they typically display a lack of dexterity, coordination, or composure in their actions. It can also convey a sense of uncertainty, confusion, or nervousness. Fumbling often leads to errors, mishaps, or missed opportunities, as the lack of control or clumsiness interferes with the successful execution of a task or action. Overall, 'fumble' captures the notion of a clumsy or awkward handling of something, whether it be physical, verbal, or mental, resulting in a lack of precision or control.

Example sentences containing fumble

1. Don't fumble with the lock too much, or you'll draw attention to yourself.
2. If you fumble the ball during the game, make sure to recover quickly.
3. She tries not to fumble her lines during the school play.
4. When he tried to propose, he started to fumble with the ring box nervously.
5. The magician never seems to fumble, even with the most complex tricks.
6. As she approached the celebrity, she began to fumble in her bag for a pen.

History and etymology of fumble

The verb 'fumble' has an interesting etymology that traces its origins to Middle English and Old English. In Middle English, it was 'fomelen,' which meant 'to grope or feel about clumsily.' This Middle English term itself derived from the Old English word 'fumian,' which meant 'to fumble or grope with the hands.' The ultimate root of 'fumble' is believed to be the Proto-Germanic word 'fumbōną,' which is related to the idea of handling something awkwardly or clumsily. Thus, the etymology of 'fumble' highlights its historical association with the act of handling things in a clumsy or awkward manner, often resulting in a lack of control, coordination, or precision.

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Further usage examples of fumble

1. The rookie quarterback is known to fumble when under pressure.
2. In the dark theater, they fumble to find their seats without disturbing others.
3. When learning a new skill, it's common to fumble at first.
4. If you fumble during your speech, just take a deep breath and carry on.
5. He managed to fumble his way through the crowd to get to the stage.
6. She tried to fumble with the unfamiliar device, but it remained unresponsive.
7. In his nervousness, he began to fumble with the microphone during the speech.
8. The quarterback's fumble cost his team possession of the football.
9. I watched him fumble through the complicated instructions with frustration.
10. Fumbling with the keys, she finally unlocked the door.
11. The musician didn't fumble a single note during the flawless performance.
12. He couldn't help but fumble with the delicate antique vase.
13. The toddler tends to fumble when trying to tie his shoelaces.
14. Fumbling to assemble the furniture, they laughed at their lack of DIY skills.
15. The goalkeeper's fumble led to an easy goal for the opposing team.
16. She couldn't help but fumble through the dance steps at first.
17. He felt his heart race as he began to fumble with the engagement ring.
18. The detective fumbled for clues in the dimly lit crime scene.
19. Fumbling for words, he struggled to explain his actions.
20. Trying to impress, he fumbled his way through the magic trick.
21. The student fumbled with the test questions, unsure of the answers.
22. Fumbling to catch the falling groceries, she saved the eggs just in time.
23. His nervousness caused him to fumble the interview questions.
24. The pickpocket attempted to fumble the wallet from the unsuspecting victim.
25. Fumbling for balance, he managed to stay upright on the icy sidewalk.