What does fumble mean Meaning and Definition
What does fumble mean
Pronunciation
/ˈfʌm.bəl/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To handle or manipulate something carelessly or awkwardly, often resulting in accidental harm or loss.
Examples
- He fumbled the football and dropped it.
- The mechanic fumbled with the wiring before finally getting it fixed.
Synonyms
- Botch
- Mess up
Antonyms
- Manage
- Mastery
Etymology
The word “fumble” originates from the Old English words “fymelan” meaning “to grasp or seize” and “fumble” meaning “to stumble or make a mistake”. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
In everyday language, “fumble” is often used to describe a careless or clumsy action, such as tripping or dropping something. However, it can also be used in more formal contexts, such as describing a medical procedure gone wrong or a piece of machinery malfunctioning.
Cultural References
‘What does fumble mean’ has appeared in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and video games. For example, in the film “The Breakfast Club”, one of the characters is said to be “fumbling” with a lighter.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘What does fumble mean’ is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “fumble around” (to move awkwardly or clumsily) or “fumble someone” (to harm or injure someone).
Related Words or Phrases
The word ‘What does fumble mean’ is closely related to other words such as ‘bungle’, ‘mangle’, and ‘ botch’. These words all describe actions that result in accidental harm or loss.
Collocations
Common collocations with ‘What does fumble mean’ include “to fumble with”, “to fumble over”, and “to fumble through”.
Frequency of Use
‘What does fumble mean’ is a relatively common word in modern language, particularly in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe a careless or clumsy action that has resulted in accidental harm or loss.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of ‘What does fumble mean’ include ‘fumbl’ and ‘fumblin’.