Word: Tremulous
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: The word "tremulous" describes something that shakes or quivers, often because of fear, weakness, or nervousness. When a person speaks in a tremulous voice, it sounds shaky or unsteady.
Usage Instructions: You can use "tremulous" to describe a person's voice, movements, or even their feelings. It often suggests a sense of fear, vulnerability, or uncertainty.
Example Sentence: The old lady spoke in a tremulous voice, clearly afraid of the thunderstorm outside.
In literature or more formal writing, "tremulous" can be used to convey deeper emotional states, such as anxiety or excitement. For instance, you might describe a character’s hands as tremulous when they are about to receive important news.
Tremulously (adverb) - Describes doing something in a tremulous manner.
Tremulousness (noun) - The state of being tremulous; a quality of shaking or quivering.
While "tremulous" primarily refers to shaking or quivering, it can also imply a sense of timidity or shyness. It may not always be related to fear but can be about being hesitant or uncertain.
Some synonyms for "tremulous" include: - Quavering - Shaky - Unsteady - Fearful - Timid
While "tremulous" does not commonly appear in idioms or phrasal verbs, you could use it in phrases that describe emotional states, such as "tremulous with excitement" to mean someone is shaking with joy or anticipation.
In summary, "tremulous" is a useful adjective to describe something that shakes due to fear, weakness, or nervousness.