tremulous
[trem-yuh-luh s]
- (of persons, the body, etc.) characterized by trembling, as from fear, nervousness, or weakness.
- timid; timorous; fearful.
- (of things) vibratory, shaking, or quivering.
- (of writing) done with a trembling hand.
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Origin of tremulous
1605–15; < Latin tremulus, equivalent to trem(ere) to tremble + -ulus adj. suffix
Synonyms
See more synonyms for tremulous on Thesaurus.com1. faltering, hesitant, wavering. 2. frightened; afraid.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for tremulously
Historical Examples
Else why should the bearers stagger, as they tremulously uphold the coffin?
Main StreetNathaniel Hawthorne
"Anybody can move that waiter that's a mind to," she said, tremulously.
Meadow GrassAlice Brown
"I care for only one thing in this world," he said, tremulously.
The Gentleman From IndianaBooth Tarkington
"You may understand some things before that," Mrs. Adams said, tremulously.
Alice AdamsBooth Tarkington
"I'll do anything you wish me to, Bartley," she said tremulously.
Alexander's Bridge and The Barrel OrganWilla Cather and Alfred Noyes
tremulous
- vibrating slightly; quavering; tremblinga tremulous voice
- showing or characterized by fear, anxiety, excitement, etc
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Word Origin
C17: from Latin tremulus quivering, from tremere to shake
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for tremulously
tremulous
adj.
1610s, from Latin tremulus "shaking, quivering," from tremere (see tremble).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
tremulous
(trĕm′yə-ləs)- Characterized by tremor.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.