Definition

Adverb: In a trembling, shaking, or quivering manner; characterized by or showing nervousness, fear, or weakness.

Usage

This adverb describes how an action is performed—with a slight, rapid, and often involuntary shaking. It is commonly used to depict physical trembling due to cold, fear, age, or emotion, as well as metaphorical trembling, such as in a voice or sound.

Examples

• She spoke tremulously, her voice barely a whisper.
• The old man's hand reached out tremulously for the glass of water.
• The candle flame burned tremulously in the drafty room.

Advanced Usage

• Describing Sound or Light: Can describe something that seems to waver or flicker, creating a delicate or unstable effect.
  • The first, tremulously sweet notes of the violin filled the hall.
• Literary/Descriptive Tone: Frequently used in narrative writing to build atmosphere or convey a character's vulnerable emotional state.
  • A smile, tremulously hopeful, appeared on her face.

Variants and Related Words

• Tremulous (Adjective): Characterized by trembling or shaking.
  • She answered in a tremulous voice.
• Tremble (Verb): To shake involuntarily, typically from fear, excitement, or cold.
  • His hands began to tremble.

Synonyms

• Shakily
• Quiveringly
• Unsteadily
• Nervously

Antonyms

• Steadily
• Firmly
• Confidently
• Surely

Adverb

1. in a tremulous manner
   • the leaves rustled tremulously in the wind