Pronunciation: [kwˈɪvəɹɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "quivering" is spelled phonetically as /ˈkwɪvərɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "kwi" with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "ver" with a short "e" sound. The final syllable is pronounced as "ing" with a shortened "i" sound. The word "quivering" refers to the act of shaking or trembling, often due to fear or excitement. It can also refer to a slight movement or vibration.
Quivering is an adjective that describes an action or state of shaking or trembling in a rapid, involuntary manner. It is often used to depict a slight, rapid movement or vibration in various contexts, such as physically, emotionally, or even metaphorically.
Physically, quivering refers to a trembling motion that typically occurs due to weakness, fear, excitement, or cold. For instance, someone may experience quivering hands or quivering lips when they are nervous or anxious. In colder temperatures, quivering can be a natural physiological response of the body, attempting to generate heat.
Emotionally, quivering relates to a heightened state of vulnerability or extreme emotional sensitivity. It signifies a feeling of intense emotions, such as fear, anxiety, or anticipation, that causes the body to shake involuntarily. In such cases, quivering may manifest through a quivering voice, quivering body, or even quivering limbs.
Metaphorically, quivering can signify an element of uncertainty or instability. It can refer to hesitation, wavering, or being on the brink of something, as if the subject is trembling on the edge of a decision or outcome. This metaphorical usage usually signifies a figurative trembling or an internal struggle.
Overall, quivering is a versatile term that reflects physical, emotional, and metaphorical states of shaking or trembling. It encompasses various contexts and conveys a sense of delicate movement, vulnerability, or instability in different aspects of human experience.
• Fluttering; tremulous.
• A fluttering tremulous motion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "quivering" originated from the Middle English word "quyveren", which derived from the Old English word "cwiferian" or "cwefrian". These Old English terms are related to the Proto-Germanic word "kwibrǭną", which means "to move quickly or vibrate". The word "quivering" conveys the act of shaking or trembling rapidly, often due to fear, excitement, or cold.
