Shiveringly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner characterized by trembling or quivering often due to cold, fear, or excitement; showing a subtle, involuntary shaking of the body or voice
2. Describing the action of shaking with slight movements typically caused by chill, anxiety, or intense emotion; conveying a delicate, shuddering effect
3. Exhibiting a state of mild convulsive movement resulting from temperature change, nervousness, or anticipation; performing or occurring with a faint tremble or quiver

Etymology: "Shiveringly" is an adverb built from "shivering" and the suffix "-ly", and the suffix carries a longer history than the word itself. The ending traces back through Middle English "-ly" and Old English "-līċe" to a Proto-Germanic form "*-līkō", ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "body" or "form", so the idea behind it is something like "having the appearance of." Adding "-ly" to a present participle produces an adverb describing how an action is done, here with trembling movements. The base "shiver" is the older root, and the "-ing" form turns it into a participle that can be used as an adjective, as in "shivering hands." Adding "-ly" then gives the adverb, so the word is a plain three-part formation rather than a special coinage. Its meaning follows the verb directly: a person might speak, move, or reach shiveringly when cold or afraid.

Synonyms: tremblingly, quiveringly, fearfully, nervously, timidly

Antonyms: steadily, calmly, boldly, bravely