The word “tremulous” is an adjective that describes something characterized by trembling, shaking, or quivering, often due to nervousness, fear, excitement, or weakness. It can refer to a person’s voice, actions, or physical state, especially when they are experiencing emotional or physical fragility. The word conveys a delicate, hesitant, or shaky quality, whether literal or figurative.
Example Sentences
- Her voice was tremulous as she delivered the emotional speech.
- He extended a tremulous hand to receive the letter.
- The child’s tremulous sobs echoed through the silent room.
- The candlelight created a tremulous glow on the walls.
- She gave him a tremulous smile, trying to hide her anxiety.
- His tremulous fingers fumbled with the keys as he unlocked the door.
- The old man’s tremulous movements showed his age and fragility.
- There was a tremulous hesitation in her voice before she agreed.
- The leaves made a tremulous rustling sound in the gentle breeze.
- The performer’s tremulous hands revealed her nervousness before going on stage.
Synonyms
- Shaky
- Quivering
- Trembling
- Wobbly
- Unsteady
- Faint
- Hesitant
- Timid
- Nervous
- Faltering
Antonyms
- Steady
- Firm
- Stable
- Confident
- Strong
- Bold
- Resolute
- Unshaken
- Assured
Related Words
- Tremor
- Quiver
- Shiver
- Shudder
- Waver
- Hesitation
- Anxiety
- Timidity
- Nervousness
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Shake up: To cause someone to feel nervous or unsettled.
- Hold steady: To remain calm or firm without trembling.
- Lose one’s nerve: To become too nervous to act confidently.
- Pull oneself together: To overcome nervousness or fear and regain composure.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Shaking like a leaf: Trembling noticeably due to fear, anxiety, or cold.
- On edge: Feeling nervous, tense, or uneasy.
- A lump in one’s throat: Feeling emotional or nervous, causing a quivering voice.
- Butterflies in one’s stomach: Experiencing a nervous or uneasy sensation.
- Weak at the knees: Feeling shaky or unstable, often due to fear or strong emotions.
The word tremulous vividly captures a sense of fragility, uncertainty, or trembling, whether from emotional distress, nervousness, or physical weakness. Its synonyms, antonyms, and related phrases help describe varying degrees of steadiness or hesitation in different contexts.