Quivery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quivery

[หˆkwษชv.ษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing motion

Quivery refers to something that shakes or trembles slightly. It can describe both physical sensations, like a quivery voice or lips, and emotional states, such as fear or excitement. When an object is quivery, it is not stable and exhibits a rapid, slight motion. This term is often used to convey a sense of vulnerability or insecurity.

Synonyms

quaking, shaky, shivering, trembling, wobbly.

Examples of usage

  • Her voice was quivery as she spoke.
  • The leaves on the tree looked quivery in the wind.
  • He felt a quivery sensation in his stomach before the big event.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling quivery often occurs in response to anxiety, where the bodyโ€™s fight-or-flight response activates.
  • Trembling can also indicate excitement, highlighting how our emotions can physically manifest.
  • Research shows that quivering may be a sign of vulnerability, invoking deeper empathy in social interactions.

Literature

  • In poetry, quivery descriptions often evoke strong emotions, portraying characters in vulnerable states.
  • Classic literature frequently uses quivery imagery to depict fear or anticipation, enhancing the reader's connection to the character.
  • Quivery scenes can create tension, making readers feel the stakes alongside the characters.

Pop Culture

  • In numerous animated shows, characters shake or quiver during comedic or tense moments, emphasizing humor or fear.
  • Songs sometimes describe love or fear as 'quivery,' linking the emotional experience to physical sensations.
  • Social media often depicts quivery reactions through gifs, capturing that split-second of shaking surprise or joy.

Origin of 'quivery'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'quivery' comes from the verb 'quiver,' which means to shake or tremble.
  • It first appeared in English literature in the late 19th century, showcasing its link to emotions like fear or cold.
  • The suffix '-y' typically describes a state or quality, hence 'quivery' suggests a characteristic trembling.

The word 'quivery' derives from the verb 'quiver', which can be traced back to Middle English 'quiveren', meaning to shake or tremble. This Middle English term has its roots in the Old English 'cwifrian', which is connected to the notion of shaking or vibrating. Throughout history, 'quiver' and its derivatives have retained their association with slight, rapid movements or trembling. 'Quivery' comes from the addition of the '-y' suffix, which is commonly used in English to form adjectives that describe a quality or characteristic associated with the root word. The nuance of the word often conveys a sense of fragility or emotional intensity in contemporary usage.