quaking
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkweɪ.kɪŋ/
KK: /ˈkwākɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Something that shakes or trembles, often due to fear or anxiety.
Example
She stood there, quaking with fear as the thunder roared.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more quaking
Superlative: most quaking
Conversation
Did you feel that tremor earlier?
Yeah, it was pretty unsettling; my whole body was quaking.
I thought it was just me!
Nope, it definitely shook the ground.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
trembling
shaking
quivering
Antonyms
steady
calm
stable
noun
Definition
The act of shaking or trembling, often due to fear or an earthquake.
Example
The quaking of the ground made everyone feel uneasy during the earthquake.
Conversation
Did you feel that quaking during the night?
Yeah, it woke me up! I thought it was an earthquake.
Same here! I couldn't believe how strong the quaking was.
verb
Definition
To shake or tremble, often because of fear or a strong emotion.
Example
The ground was quaking during the earthquake, making everyone feel scared.
Tense Forms
Past: quaked
Past Participle: quaked
Conversation
Did you feel that earthquake earlier?
Yeah, it was really strong! I was quaking in my boots.
I thought my house might shake off the foundation!
Root Explanation
Quaking → It originates from the Old English 'cwacian' (meaning to shake or tremble). The word 'quaking' describes the act of shaking or trembling, often due to fear or an earthquake.
Memory Tip
Imagine something that is 'shaking' or 'trembling' — that's what quaking means, as it comes from the Old English word for shaking.
Visually Confused Words
unquaking
squeaking
squawking
upmaking
unwaking
untaking
unraking
unasking