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tremulous — shaking or quivering slightly, typically as a result of nervousness, excitement, or frailty

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: shaking or quivering slightly, typically as a result of nervousness, excitement, or frailty

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtremjələs/

Example Sentences

  • The tremulous old man tried to thread the needle for the fifth time.
  • With tremulous excitement, she opened the lottery ticket, only to find she'd won... a free ticket.
  • The student's tremulous answer revealed he hadn't studied at all.

tremulous

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈtremjələs/]

shaking or quivering slightly, typically as a result of nervousness, excitement, or frailty

a young pianist sits at a grand piano with visibly shaking hands hovering over the keys. Her fingers tremble as she prepares to play the opening notes for a large audience. The nervousness causes her whole body to quiver slightly as stage lights shine down on her. Her trembling becomes more noticeable as she takes a deep breath before beginning. The audience sits quietly in the dimly lit concert hall watching her performance. A music teacher stands nearby offering encouraging gestures from the side of the stage. shaking or quivering slightly as a result of nervousness and excitement
💡 Concept

a young pianist sits at a grand piano with visibly shaking hands hovering over the keys. Her fingers tremble as she prepares to play the opening notes for a large audience. The nervousness causes her whole body to quiver slightly as stage lights shine down on her. Her trembling becomes more noticeable as she takes a deep breath before beginning. The audience sits quietly in the dimly lit concert hall watching her performance. A music teacher stands nearby offering encouraging gestures from the side of the stage. shaking or quivering slightly as a result of nervousness and excitement

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈtremjələs/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈtremjələs/

🌳Etymology

Roottrem
Suffix--ulous

Origin

From Latin 'tremulus' meaning 'trembling' or 'shaking,' which comes from the verb 'tremere' (to tremble). The word captures the physical sensation of shaking from fear, nervousness, or weakness.

Breakdown

tremul- (trembling, shaking) + -ous (adjective suffix meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by')

🎵Rhyme

emulouspendulouscredulous
emulous
pendulous
credulous

🔗Collocations

tremulous voice
tremulous hands
tremulous smile
tremulous excitement
tremulous whisper
tremulous breath

📝Examples

“The tremulous old man tried to thread the needle for the fifth time.”

😄 Fun example

“With tremulous excitement, she opened the lottery ticket, only to find she'd won... a free ticket.”

“The student's tremulous answer revealed he hadn't studied at all.”

😄 Fun example

“His tremulous attempt at karaoke made everyone realize why he usually stays silent.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

shakyquiveringunsteadywaveringtimid

Antonyms

steadyconfidentfirm

Related

trembletremorquivershivervibrate

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