Tremor
Word of the Day
What is Tremor?
noun
A slight earthquake or a small shaking movement.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen due to the 5.2 magnitude earthquake near San Diego on this day.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The tremor was felt across the city, though no damage was reported.
A slight tremor in her voice revealed her anxiety.
Scientists recorded a tremor preceding the main earthquake.
Word Origins
From Latin “tremor”, meaning “a shaking”.
Originally used in medical and geological contexts, now also metaphorical for subtle disturbances.
First appearance in English: 14th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
The tremor lasted only a few seconds.
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Verb:
She began to tremble with fear.
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Adjective:
He spoke in a tremulous voice.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: temblor
- French: tremblement
- German: Zittern
- Italian: tremore
- Portuguese: tremor
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Seismic shift
A major movement, usually in politics or social structures — much more dramatic than a tremor.
Palpitation
A medical term for rapid or irregular heartbeats — internal rather than environmental.
Flutter
A softer, lighter movement — often visual or emotional rather than physical.
Quiver
A light, trembling motion often associated with fear or cold, more poetic than “tremor”.
Fun Facts
- The word “tremor” is used in both medical and geological contexts to describe shaking movements.
- Marsquakes, or tremors on Mars, have been detected by NASA’s InSight lander.
Cultural Usage
- In the movie “Tremors” (1990), subterranean creatures cause deadly ground vibrations.
- On April 14, 2025, a 5.2 magnitude tremor struck near San Diego, causing widespread attention.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “tremble” — “tremor” is the noun, “tremble” is the verb.
Micro Story
A sudden tremor disrupted the calm morning, leaving residents startled.