Quivering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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quivering
[ˈkwɪvərɪŋ ]
Definitions
nervous
to shake slightly, usually because you are cold, frightened, or upset
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| quivering |
Quivering is used when something is shaking with small, rapid movements, often due to fear, excitement, or weakness.
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| tremble |
Tremble is used when someone or something is shaking slightly, often due to fear, weakness, or strong emotion and usually has a more formal or poetic tone.
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| shiver |
Shiver often describes involuntary shaking due to cold, fear, or emotion and usually refers to the whole body rather than just a part.
|
Examples of usage
- Her voice was quivering with emotion.
- She stood there, quivering with fear.
- The leaves quivered in the breeze.
involuntary movement
a slight trembling movement or sound
Synonyms
shaking, shivering, trembling.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| quivering |
A slight, rapid motion due to fear, excitement, or weakness.
|
| trembling |
Usually moderate movement due to anxiety, fear, or weakness, but can also relate to objects. More general than 'quivering'.
|
| shaking |
More intense motion or due to extreme fear, cold, or exertion. Can also refer to physical objects vibrating.
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| shivering |
Typically used to describe body movements due to cold or intense emotions. Often implies discomfort.
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Examples of usage
- The quivering of her lower lip betrayed her emotions.
- He felt a quivering in his muscles as he tried to hold back his tears.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Muscle contractions cause quivering, as seen when your body gets cold or scared.
- Quivering is a natural response to regulate body temperature through increased activity of muscle fibers.
Literature
- In poetry, the word often describes emotions, like nervousness or excitement, making the reader feel the intensity of the moment.
- Famous writers like Emily Dickinson used the term to evoke vivid imagery, allowing readers to 'see' and 'feel' the trembling emotions.
Art
- In visual arts, quivering is often depicted in painting styles that suggest motion, like impressionism.
- Artists may recreate a quivering effect using blurred edges or rapid strokes to convey energy or anxiety in the subject.
Psychology
- Quivering can represent anxiety or fear in humans, leading the body to shake uncontrollably.
- Therapeutic techniques may focus on understanding and managing physical reactions like quivering to help fight anxiety.
Origin of 'quivering'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'cwifrian', meaning to tremble or shake.
- It's related to the Middle English term 'quiveren', which also means to move with a slight motion.
The word 'quivering' has its origins in the Middle English word 'quiveren', which meant 'to tremble'. It is related to Old English 'cwiferian', which also meant 'to tremble'. The sense of 'shake slightly' emerged in the late 16th century. Over time, 'quivering' has come to represent a subtle trembling or shaking movement, often associated with nervousness or fear.
See also: quiveringly, quivers.