tremble
Medium frequencyNeutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To shake involuntarily, typically due to fear, cold, or strong emotion.
To exhibit signs of anxiety or instability; to be in a state of vulnerability or near collapse.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a physical manifestation of emotional states, suggesting lack of control or vulnerability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; spelling and pronunciation are nearly identical.
Connotations
Similar associations with fear, cold, excitement, or emotional intensity in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
tremble (with something)tremble at the thought oftremble from the coldVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tremble in one's boots”
- “make the earth tremble”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used; more common in emotional or descriptive contexts.
Academic
Used in literary, psychological, or physiological descriptions.
Everyday
Common for describing reactions to cold, fear, or excitement.
Technical
Not standard; may appear in medical texts for tremors.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She could feel herself tremble as she waited for the exam results.
American English
- He started to tremble when the thunder suddenly crashed outside.
adverb
British English
- He answered tremblingly when questioned about the missing funds.
American English
- She walked tremblingly through the haunted house attraction.
adjective
British English
- The trembling child sought comfort during the loud fireworks.
American English
- Her trembling hands made it difficult to pour the tea steadily.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I tremble when I am very cold.
- The small dog trembled during the loud thunderstorm.
- Her hands trembled as she signed the crucial business contract.
- Even the most confident speakers may tremble when addressing a large, critical audience.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tremor' which means a shake; tremble is the verb form.
Conceptual Metaphor
Emotions as physical forces causing movement; e.g., 'tremble with joy'.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'tremble' for inanimate objects without personification; it implies emotional or physiological response.
- Do not confuse with 'дрожать' which can be used more broadly; 'tremble' is often subtler and emotion-linked.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tremble' transitively, e.g., 'He trembled the glass' (incorrect); it is intransitive.
- Overusing 'tremble' for any shake; it specifically implies involuntary shaking from emotion or cold.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'tremble'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for people and animals, but it can be used for personified objects or in literary contexts.
Yes, for example, 'She is trembling with cold.'
The noun form is 'tremble' or 'trembling', as in 'a tremble in her voice'.
'Tremble' is broader and can be due to various emotions, while 'shiver' is often specifically from cold or fear.