tremulous

[ trem-yuh-luhs ]

adjective

1. (of persons, the body, etc.) characterized by trembling, as from fear, nervousness, or weakness.

   Synonyms: hesitant

2. timid; timorous; fearful.

   Synonyms: afraid, frightened

3. (of things) vibratory, shaking, or quivering.
4. (of writing) done with a trembling hand.

tremulous

/ ˈtrɛmjʊləs /

adjective

1. vibrating slightly; quavering; trembling

   a tremulous voice

2. showing or characterized by fear, anxiety, excitement, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈtremulousness, noun
• ˈtremulously, adverb

Other Word Forms

• tremu·lous·ly adverb
• tremu·lous·ness noun
• un·tremu·lous adjective
• un·tremu·lous·ly adverb
• un·tremu·lous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tremulous¹

1605–15; < Latin tremulus, equivalent to trem ( ere ) to tremble + -ulus adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of tremulous¹

C17: from Latin tremulus quivering, from tremere to shake

Example Sentences

The independent presidential candidate recounts those times somewhat wistfully, telling interviewers that he “can’t stand” the sound of his voice today — sometimes choked, halting and slightly tremulous.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet Lou also remains super-jumpy and wary, like someone permanently looking over her shoulder, and Stewart gives the character a tremulous energy that vibrates in her every look, gesture and head bob.

From New York Times

But there’s a disturbing intimacy to the film as well, with Cillian Murphy’s tremulous J. Robert Oppenheimer leading an unstable band of scientists while nearly drowning in uncharted political and ethical waters.

From New York Times

With her low, tremulous, gripping voice, Baby Rose sings about love as self-sabotage, trying to break free while an orchestra underlines her despair.

From New York Times

But only in the final minutes do we realize, under Daniel Aukin’s sure-handed direction and in Wood’s tremulous performance, where this road trip has been going.

From New York Times

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

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