quiver
quiver — verb
- quiverpresent simple I / you / we / they
- quivershe / she / it
- quiveredpast simple
- quivering-ing form
1. when your body or a part of it moves with a slight, rapid shaking because you fe
when your body or a part of it moves with a slight, rapid shaking because you feel a strong emotion such as fear, excitement, or cold
Nicholas quivered with excitement as he opened the letter from the music academy.
collocation: quiver with [emotion]
The puppy's legs quivered while the vet examined its injured paw.
Ayesha's voice quivered as she thanked the firefighters who had rescued her cat.
Leaves on the old maple tree quivered in the cold autumn breeze.
- steady
not shaking at all
用法筆記
Typically describes an involuntary, fine shaking — unlike 'shake', which can describe both fine and coarse movements. Frequently paired with prepositions 'with' (the cause: quiver with fear) or 'at' (the stimulus: quiver at the sound).
常見錯誤
quiver — noun
- quiversingular
- quiversplural
1. a narrow case that an archer wears on the back or hip to hold arrows while shoot
a narrow case that an archer wears on the back or hip to hold arrows while shooting
The archer reached into her quiver and pulled out a new arrow.
collocation: reach into [one's] quiver
Stefan made his own leather quiver during the wilderness survival course.
Each quiver held about twenty arrows for the afternoon competition.
The museum displayed a traditional quiver decorated with beads and feathers.
- arrow case
more descriptive but less common in modern use
- arrow holder
describes the function but sounds informal
用法筆記
This is the only sense of 'quiver' that names a physical object. Often appears in historical, sporting, or hunting contexts. The word is also used figuratively in phrases like 'have another arrow in one's quiver' (have another option available).
常見錯誤
2. a small, quick shaking movement or emotional catch in someone's voice, caused by
a small, quick shaking movement or emotional catch in someone's voice, caused by nervousness or strong feelings
A quiver of fear ran through Antonia when she heard footsteps behind her.
collocation: quiver of [emotion]
A quiver in Tomás's voice betrayed his sadness at the airport farewell.
collocation: quiver in [one's] voice
The old woman felt a faint quiver in her fingers when she lifted the cup.
A slight quiver of the leaves warned the rabbits that something was nearby.
- stillness
complete absence of movement
用法筆記
Distinguish from verb sense (TREMBLE) — the noun sense emphasises the observed result (a visible or audible shake) rather than the action itself. Often follows 'a' or 'a slight' and is followed by 'of' plus a cause ('a quiver of excitement').