adjective

tremulous

TREM-yuh-luhs/ˈtremjələs/

Shaking slightly or showing nervous uncertainty.

His tremulous hands make the water ripple as he holds a cup.

A nervous middle-aged Latino man holds a plain cup with slightly trembling hands; a small ripple in the water and restrained motion marks make the gentle shaking visible.

Etymology

Latin tremulus described shaking or quivering. The English adjective applies that physical unsteadiness to a person or body part, often making fear, weakness, or strong emotion outwardly apparent.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain170:09

lovers gazed deep into each other's eyes in silence Earnest tremulous from the emotion he has just been through

1910s Play: Jesse Lynch Williams - Why Marry? (Audiobook)

More examples

She answers the difficult question in a tremulous voice.
He offers a tremulous smile before stepping onto the stage.
Her legs are still tremulous after the long climb.

Forms

tremulous

tremulously adverb — With slight shaking or nervous uncertainty.

tremulousness noun — The condition of shaking or seeming nervous.

Similar words

shaky: More broadly describes physical instability, nervousness, or lack of reliability.
quivering: Emphasizes small, rapid movements rather than nervous uncertainty itself.
hesitant: Emphasizes reluctance or uncertainty without necessarily suggesting physical shaking.