Shaky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shaky
[ˈʃeɪki ]
Definitions
feeling
Not firm or steady; trembling or unsteady.
Synonyms
shivering, trembling, unsteady, wobbly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shaky |
Used when something is not firm or stable, or when someone lacks confidence or is nervous.
|
| unsteady |
Used to describe something that is wobbling or likely to fall, or when someone is unsure or uncertain.
|
| trembling |
Used when someone is very frightened, excited, or has strong emotions, causing them to shake involuntarily.
|
| wobbly |
Used to describe something that moves or shakes from side to side and is not stable.
|
| shivering |
Used when someone is feeling cold or frightened and their body shakes involuntarily.
|
Examples of usage
- The old man's shaky hands made it difficult for him to hold the cup.
- She felt a bit shaky after the roller coaster ride.
uncertain
Not confident or certain; insecure.
Synonyms
doubtful, hesitant, insecure, uncertain.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shaky |
Used when something is physically unstable or when someone is unsteady or nervous in a literal or metaphorical sense.
|
| uncertain |
Used when something is not known or definite. It can refer to both situations and feelings of doubt.
|
| insecure |
Used when someone lacks self-confidence or feels uncertain about their abilities or self-worth. This word often carries a negative connotation.
|
| doubtful |
Used when there is uncertainty or skepticism about something. Often implies a lack of confidence in the outcome or truth of something.
|
| hesitant |
Used when someone is unsure or slow to make a decision or take action, often due to uncertainty or fear.
|
Examples of usage
- She gave a shaky performance during the audition.
- After the shaky start, the team managed to pull off a win.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling shaky can be a common response to anxiety, indicating your body is ready to react to stress.
- In psychology, shaky hands can often be linked to nervousness as adrenaline floods the system during fear responses.
- People might also describe shaky feelings when they experience excitement or anticipation.
Popular Culture
- The term 'shaky' has been used in song lyrics to express uncertainty in relationships, showcasing emotional vulnerabilities.
- 'Shaky' also appears in various movie titles, often hinting at suspense or the fragility of characters' situations.
- In the gaming world, the term describes poorly structured mechanics that feel unstable under pressure.
Science
- Seismic events, like earthquakes, can cause the ground to become shaky, illustrating the earth's dynamic nature.
- In physics, 'shaky' can describe unstable particles that change or decay rapidly under certain conditions.
- Animal behavior studies show that some species exhibit shaky movements as a defense mechanism when threatened.
Literature
- In literature, authors often describe characters as feeling shaky when they face moral dilemmas or uncertain futures.
- The depiction of shaky hands can symbolize vulnerability and desperation in a protagonist during key moments of conflict.
- Many poets use 'shaky' imagery to evoke emotions of doubt and instability in their works.
Origin of 'shaky'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'shaky' comes from the Old English 'sceacan', meaning to shake or move.
- It first appeared in written form in the 19th century, evolving from earlier terms related to trembling.
- Related words include 'shake' and 'shudder', pointing to a common theme of movement.
The word 'shaky' originated from the Middle English word 'shakie', which meant 'inclined to shake'. It has been in use since the 14th century. Over time, its usage evolved to describe something unsteady or insecure. The word has retained its core meaning of lack of firmness or stability, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.
See also: shake, shakedown, shaker, shakes, shakily, shakiness, shaking, shakingly, unshakeable.