Shakily: meaning, definitions and examples

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shakily

[ˈʃeɪkəli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

shake

In a shaky or unsteady manner.

Synonyms

quaveringly, tremblingly, unsteadily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shakily	Used to describe movements or actions that lack stability or confidence, often due to nervousness, fear, or physical weakness. He stood up shakily after the long illness She signed the paper shakily, her hands trembling
unsteadily	Describes movement or actions lacking steadiness or control, which can be the result of physical conditions, such as alcohol consumption or illness, or emotional states, like nervousness. He walked unsteadily after too many drinks at the party The child stood up unsteadily, still learning to find balance
tremblingly	Used to describe an action performed with physical trembling, often due to fear or extreme emotional stress. She handed him the letter tremblingly, afraid of what it might contain The puppy approached him tremblingly, still scared of human contact
quaveringly	Often used to describe a voice or sound that is unsteady and wavering, typically because of nervousness or emotion. He spoke quaveringly at the funeral, his voice breaking with emotion Her voice quaveringly asked for help in the dark alley

Examples of usage

She stood up shakily after the earthquake.
He held the glass shakily, trying not to spill its contents.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from 'shake,' which dates back to Old English as 'sacan,' meaning to move or tremble.
The addition of the suffix '-ly' turns the verb into an adverb, describing how something is done.
English has many words that carry similar meanings, each adding a layer of nuance to convey unsteadiness.

Psychology

Shakiness can often indicate anxious feelings as the body's response to stress includes muscle tension and tremors.
In social situations, people sometimes speak shakily when they are nervous, which can affect their confidence.
Studies show that physical symptoms like shakiness can influence how others perceive your competence or confidence.

Health

Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, often experience uncontrollable shakiness.
Caffeine consumption can lead to temporary shakiness due to increased heart rate and nervous system activation.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can also cause people to feel shaky, highlighting the body’s need for energy.

Pop Culture

In films, characters often appear shakily when they face scary situations, emphasizing fear through body language.
Musicians might perform shakily due to nerves, adding an emotional rawness to live performances.
Reality TV shows frequently feature contestants who react shakily during challenges, enhancing drama and entertainment.

Translations

Translations of the word "shakily" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trêmulo

🇮🇳 कांपते हुए

🇩🇪 zittrig

🇮🇩 gemetar

🇺🇦 тремтячи

🇵🇱 drżąco

🇯🇵 震えるように

🇫🇷 tremblant

🇪🇸 temblorosamente

🇹🇷 titrek

🇰🇷 떨리며

🇸🇦 بشكل مرتجف

🇨🇿 třesoucí se

🇸🇰 trasúco

🇨🇳 颤抖地

🇸🇮 tresoče

🇮🇸 skjálfandi

🇰🇿 дірілдеп

🇬🇪 კანკალით

🇦🇿 titreyərək

🇲🇽 temblorosamente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,981, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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