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shivering
/ˈʃɪvərɪŋ/
shaking from cold or fear
She was shivering uncontrollably after standing in the rain.
Her body was shaking violently because she was wet and cold.
general
shaking involuntarily due to cold or fear
The hikers were shivering from the freezing wind.
The hikers were shaking because of the very cold wind.
Often implies a rapid, slight movement of the body.
literary
trembling with strong emotion such as anger or excitement
He stood there, shivering with rage.
He was trembling because he was extremely angry.
Used metaphorically to describe intense emotional states.
Collocations
shivering with coldshaking because of low temperatureshivering with feartrembling due to being scaredshivering uncontrollablyshaking without being able to stop
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Clues
If the sentence mentions weather, 'shivering' means cold. If it mentions danger or ghosts, it means fear.
Gold Rule
Verb Form
'Shivering' is the -ing form. Use it with 'is/are/was/were' (e.g., 'He is shivering').
Word Origin
From Middle English shiveren, of Germanic origin; related to German schief (slanting, crooked).
Usage Notes
Use 'shivering' when the shaking is caused by cold or fear. Use 'trembling' for general shaking or weakness. 'Shivering' is the present participle of the verb 'shiver'.
Word Breakdown
shiver
to shake slightly
root-ing
present participle suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary