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Tremble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tremble

[ˈtrɛmbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in fear

To shake involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, fear, or excitement. It is a physical manifestation of an emotional response.

Synonyms

quiver, shake, shiver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tremble

Often implies a physical response to fear, anxiety, or cold. This term can be used in both serious and everyday situations.

  • She could see him tremble with fear as the storm closed in
  • His hands started to tremble when he delivered his speech
shake

Can be used to describe both involuntary movement (due to cold, fear, or illness) and voluntary actions (like shaking hands or shaking an object). Common in everyday language.

  • His hands started to shake before the big presentation
  • Please shake the bottle well before using
quiver

Usually describes a quick, slight movement or series of movements, often due to strong emotion or excitement. It can also refer to the slight movement of an object, such as leaves in the wind.

  • Her lips began to quiver when she received the bad news
  • The leaves quivered in the breeze
shiver

Usually associated with a physical reaction to cold or fear. Often describes a sudden, uncontrollable tremor.

  • She wrapped a blanket around herself, still shivering from the cold
  • He shivered at the thought of the impending danger

Examples of usage

  • She began to tremble with fear as the thunderstorm approached.
  • His hands trembled as he reached out to grab the spider.
Context #2 | Noun

physical movement

A slight quivering movement or sound.

Synonyms

quiver, shiver, shudder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tremble

Generally used to describe a shaking movement due to fear, weakness, or excitement. It can refer to people or objects.

  • Her hands began to tremble when she received the shocking news.
  • The leaves on the trees began to tremble in the breeze.
quiver

Often used to describe a slight, rapid shaking movement due to strong emotions such as fear, excitement, or anticipation. It can also refer to objects.

  • He couldn't help but quiver with excitement when he saw the surprise.
  • The arrow quivered in the target after it hit.
shiver

Commonly used to describe a shaking movement due to cold or fear. This term is frequently associated with cold environments or sudden chills.

  • She began to shiver in the freezing temperatures.
  • I couldn't stop shivering after hearing that eerie noise.
shudder

Typically used to describe a strong, involuntary shaking movement due to disgust, fear, or a sudden emotional reaction. This word often has a negative connotation.

  • He shuddered at the thought of going back into the haunted house.
  • The entire building shuddered during the earthquake.

Examples of usage

  • The tremble in her voice betrayed her nervousness.
  • The ground trembled as the earthquake hit.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Trembling can be a physical response to fear, signaling the body's fight-or-flight reaction.
  • It can also occur due to excitement or anticipation, like trembling hands before performing.
  • Some psychological conditions, such as anxiety disorders, can lead to frequent trembling.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often tremble to express fear or vulnerability, enhancing emotional depth.
  • Trembling is a common motif in gothic literature, symbolizing both physical and emotional tension.
  • The sensation of trembling is sometimes used to illustrate the power of nature in poetry, invoking feelings of awe.

Science

  • Tremors can be caused by involuntary muscle contractions and are closely studied in the field of neurology.
  • During an earthquake, buildings and the ground tremble due to seismic waves, creating noticeable vibrations.
  • Trembling can also occur in animals, such as when they sense danger or are preparing to flee.

Culture

  • In various cultures, trembling is associated with spiritual experiences, often seen as being moved by divine presence.
  • Dance forms in some cultures may incorporate trembling movements as a way to express emotion or connection to the earth.
  • Trembling has been portrayed in art to symbolize fear and fragility, exploring the human condition.

Origin of 'tremble'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tremble' comes from the Latin word 'tremere,' which means 'to shake.'
  • Its Old French form 'trembler' was adopted into English in the 14th century.
  • The use of 'tremble' in literature often evokes intense emotions and sensations.

The word 'tremble' originated from the Old French word 'trembler', which in turn came from the Latin 'tremulus' meaning 'trembling, quivering'. The concept of trembling has been associated with fear, excitement, and physical weakness throughout history, making it a universal human experience.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,863, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.