What is shiver? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of shiver in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of shiver

shiververb

rùng mình

/ˈʃɪvə(r)//ˈʃɪvər/

Where does the word shiver come from?

The origin of the word "shiver" can be traced back to the Old English word "scierfan," which meant "to shake." This word evolved over time and was eventually spelled "schuuan" in the Middle English period. The spelling further changed to "shiveren" during the Early Modern English era, and it eventually became "shiver" in the modern era. During this time, the meaning of the word also evolved. Originally, "shiver" was used to describe the shaking or trembling of the body, often due to cold or a high fever. However, by the 17th century, it also came to mean feeling frightened or terrified, likely due to the physical sensations associated with these emotions, such as shaking and trembling. Overall, the word "shiver" has a long and fascinating history, evolving from its Old English roots to take on new meanings over time. Its use to describe both physical shaking and emotional fear remains an interesting aspect of the English language.

Vocabulary summary shiver

typenoun

meaningshivering, shivering (from cold, fear...)

exampleto shiver with cold

exampleto shiver with fear

typejournalize

meaningrun, shiver

exampleto shiver with cold

exampleto shiver with fear

Example of vocabulary shivernamespace

  • The wind was howling through the trees, causing the leaves to rustle and the chills to run down my spine as I shivered in my thin jacket.
  • I stepped outside into the frosty night and felt my body instantaneously shiver as the cold seeped into my bones.
  • Her hands were trembling as she narrated her tale, and I could see goosebumps cover her arms as she shivered uncontrollably.
  • The fact that I had forgotten to wear long underwear while camping left me shivering uncontrollably as the chilly air enveloped me.
  • As I walked through the haunted house, every noise made me jump and set off a shiver that ran through my body.

Synonyms and related words for shiver


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