Tremulous Meaning and Definition
Tremulous
Pronunciation
/trɛmʊləs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Slightly shaking or trembling with agitation, anxiety, or extreme emotion.
Examples
- The old man’s hands were tremulous as he lit his pipe.
- The actress’s voice was tremulous as she delivered her emotional monologue.
Synonyms
- Trembling
- Rattling
- Hesitant
Antonyms
- Steady
- Firm
- Calculated
Etymology
From Latin tremulus, trembling, from tremere, to tremble.
Usage Notes
Tremulous is often used to describe a gentle or slight trembling, as opposed to a severe or convulsive shaking.
Cultural References
In literature, tremulous is often used to describe the nervous or anxious tone of a character’s dialogue or actions.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Tremulous with fear” – used to describe someone who is extremely afraid.
Related Words or Phrases
- Tremorous
- Trembling
- Quivering
Collocations
- Tremulous hands
- Tremulous voice
Frequency of Use
Tremulous is a rare word in modern language, often used in literary or poetic contexts to add depth or nuance to descriptions.
Common Misspellings
- Temulous
- Trmulous