tremble
Definitions
To shake involuntarily, especially from fear, cold, or weakness
（因恐惧、寒冷或虚弱而）颤抖，发抖
(of a structure or the ground) to shake slightly
（建筑或地面）轻微震动
A shaking movement; a quiver
颤抖；战栗
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedtrem (tremble) sits at the heart of the whole family — this is the root in its plainest form. Via Old French trembler from Latin tremulare ('to quiver'), it names the involuntary shaking of a body that can't hold still: hands, voice, leaves, the ground.
Root trem still carries 10 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.tremble with fear因恐惧而颤抖
- 2.tremble with excitement因激动而颤抖
- 3.tremble uncontrollably止不住地颤抖
- 4.voice trembles声音颤抖
- 5.hands tremble双手发抖
Example Sentences
- 1.
Her hands began to tremble as she opened the letter.
- 2.
He was so cold that his whole body trembled.
- 3.
The ground trembled slightly when the train passed by.
- 4.
There was a tremble in her voice as she said goodbye.
Synonym Comparison
- tremble — fine, involuntary shaking from fear or cold
- shiver — specifically from cold (or thrill): shiver in the wind
- shudder — a sudden, brief shake of revulsion or horror: shudder at the thought
- quiver — a light, rapid trembling, often of a part: lips quiver
- shake — the broadest, most general term, voluntary or not