What does quivery mean?
Quivery is an adjective describing something that is trembling or shaking slightly. It commonly refers to a hand, voice, lip, or body that moves involuntarily because a person is frightened, cold, emotional, excited, or physically weak. The word is especially effective in narrative and literary description, where its subtle sound helps suggest vulnerability or suppressed emotion: a character might reveal nervousness through a quivery voice or conceal tears behind quivering hands. Although quivery can describe any slight shaking, it often carries a sympathetic or faintly dramatic connotation, suggesting a person under strain rather than simply feeling chilly. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say shaky, shaky-handed, or trembling. Quivery nevertheless remains useful for vivid prose because it condenses both the physical action and its emotional context into one precise description.
adjectiveTrembling or shaking slightly, especially as a result of fear, cold, emotion, or physical weakness. It is more common in literary and descriptive writing than in everyday conversation.
- Trembling or shaking slightly, especially because of fear, cold, emotion, or physical weakness.
"She held the letter with a quivery hand."
"He answered in a quivery voice that barely rose above a whisper."
"The old dog rested on the porch, its legs quivering after the long walk."
A quivery hand can reveal a whole story: nerves, cold, excitement, or the effort to hold back tears.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quivery come from?
Quivery was formed in the early 19th century from the older verb quiver, meaning 'to tremble, shake, or vibrate.' Quiver itself comes from Middle English usage and ultimately relates to Old English terms for movement or trembling. The later noun meaning 'a case for arrows' developed independently and is not etymologically connected with the sense of shaking.
Related word forms
How quivery is actually used
Quivery is somewhat literary and descriptive. It often suggests a small, visible movement caused by strong emotion, although it can also describe involuntary shaking from cold or physical weakness. In formal prose, tremulous may be preferred when the emphasis is on uncertainty or emotional instability rather than physical movement.
Easily confused with quivery
Quiver is a verb meaning to tremble or shake, whereas quivery is an adjective describing something that is trembling.
Tremulous can describe a person, voice, or movement that is unsteady, while quivery more directly emphasizes visible trembling or shaking.