Definition

Adjective: 1. Shaking or quivering slightly, often in a way that is not steady or controlled: This describes a physical state of slight, rapid, and often involuntary movement, typically due to weakness, fear, nervousness, or strong emotion. 2. Timid, hesitant, or lacking confidence: This describes a manner or quality that is fearful, uncertain, or easily frightened.

Examples of Usage

• Describing a physical quiver:

  • Her tremulous hands could barely hold the cup of tea.
  • He answered in a tremulous voice, betraying his anxiety.

• Describing a timid or hesitant quality:

  • She gave a tremulous smile, unsure of her welcome.
  • The tremulous light of the candle flickered in the draft.

Advanced Usage

• Literary and descriptive use: "Tremulous" is often used in literary contexts to evoke a vivid sensory or emotional image. It can describe not only voices and hands but also light, leaves, or even a moment in time.
  • A tremulous silence fell over the crowd as they awaited the verdict.
  • The tremulous leaves shimmered in the morning breeze.

Variants and Related Words

• Tremulously (adverb): In a tremulous manner.
  • She spoke tremulously about the ordeal.
• Tremulousness (noun): The state or quality of being tremulous.
  • The tremulousness in his voice revealed his deep emotion.

Synonyms

• Quavering: (of a voice) shaking or trembling.
• Quivering: shaking with a slight, rapid motion.
• Shaky: unsteady; shaking.
• Faltering: losing strength or momentum; speaking hesitantly.
• Timid: showing a lack of courage or confidence.

Antonyms

• Steady: firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking.
• Firm: having a solid, unyielding surface or structure; resolute.
• Confident: feeling or showing certainty about something.
• Strong: having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks.

Adjective

1. (of the voice) quivering as from weakness or fear
   • the old lady's quavering voice
   • spoke timidly in a tremulous voice