tremulous
/'tremjulə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- (of the voice) quivering as from weakness or fear
- the old lady's quavering voice
- spoke timidly in a tremulous voice