Difference between stagger and totter

[Goliaf]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #106 "Synonyms for stagger and walk", question 4

All of a sudden the teacher felt dizzy, he ......... for a second and fell down.

(a) staggered
(b) tottered
(c) stumbled
(d) limped

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #106 "Synonyms for stagger and walk", answer 4

All of a sudden the teacher felt dizzy, he tottered for a second and fell down.

Correct answer: (b) tottered
_________________________

what is the difference
bitween stagger and totter

[Daniela]

Hi,
The verb “stagger” means to move or stand unsteadily. A drunk person usually staggers, he can’t walk straight.
The verb “totter” means to sway as if about to fall; to move back and forth or from side to side, as if about to fall; to appear about to collapse. A toddler usually walks that way.

Hope this helps!
Daniela

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