tremor
Definitions
An involuntary shaking or quivering of the body
（身体的）震颤，颤抖
A slight shaking of the ground; a minor earthquake
（地面的）轻微震动；小地震
A sudden feeling that briefly shakes you (of fear, excitement)
（恐惧、激动等的）一阵悸动
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedtrem (tremble) + -or (state/result) = 'a shaking.' This is the root's core action turned into a noun. It splits between the body (a tremor in the hands) and the earth (a tremor before a quake) — the same small involuntary shudder in both.
Root trem still carries 10 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.earth tremor地震
- 2.slight tremor轻微颤抖
- 3.tremor in the hands手部震颤
- 4.tremor of fear一阵恐惧
- 5.minor tremor小地震
Example Sentences
- 1.
There was a slight tremor in his hands as he signed the contract.
- 2.
A minor tremor shook the city but caused no damage.
- 3.
She felt a tremor of fear run down her spine.
Easily Confused
tremor vs earthquake — A tremor is small and often a warning sign; an earthquake is the full, potentially destructive event. News reports call the small foreshocks 'tremors' and the main shock the 'earthquake' or 'quake.'