Quivering Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkwɪvərɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A feeling of intense, uncontrollable excitement or agitation, often accompanied by physical tremors or shaking.

Examples

• The thrill of the rollercoaster ride left me with a quivering sense of exhilaration.
• The prospect of meeting a long-lost friend filled me with a quivering mixture of emotions.

Synonyms

• Trembling
• Shaking
• Palpitating

Antonyms

• Calm
• Steadfast
• Unfazed

Additional Information

Quivering is a common physiological response to intense emotions, often accompanied by changes in heart rate and breathing. It can be experienced as a result of excitement, fear, or other strong emotions. Quivering can also be a deliberate mental state, achieved through meditation, breathing exercises, or visualization techniques.

Quivering has been used as a creative tool in various forms of art, such as music, dance, and poetry. It is often used to convey a sense of raw emotion, vulnerability, or urgency.

Etymology

The word “quivering” originated from the Old French word “quiver”, meaning to tremble or shake. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the physical sensation of tremors or shaking.

Usage Notes

Quivering is often used to describe a brief, intense emotional response, such as a feeling of excitement or fear. It can also be used to describe a more prolonged state of emotional agitation.

Cultural References

Quivering is a key theme in the novel “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, where the narrator’s quivering heart is a metaphor for his growing madness.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “The thrill of the chase” – a phrase that captures the quivering sense of excitement and anticipation.
• “My heart is quivering with fear” – an idiomatic expression used to describe a sense of intense fear or anxiety.

Related Words or Phrases

• Palpitation
• Tremor
• Shiver

Collocations

• My heart is quivering with excitement.
• She was quivering with anticipation.
• He felt a quivering sense of unease.

Frequency of Use

Quivering is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, although its usage has been increasing in recent years due to its growing popularity in creative writing and poetry.

Common Misspellings

• Quiverering
• Quiviring