Shivering vs. Quivering — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Shivering typically refers to involuntary muscle movements in response to cold, while quivering often describes trembling due to emotion or strain.
Difference Between Shivering and Quivering
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shivering is an automatic response that helps the body generate heat when it feels cold. This physiological process involves the rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles. Whereas, quivering usually results from emotional states such as fear, anxiety, or excitement, manifesting as slight, rapid movements that can affect various parts of the body, including the voice.
Shivering can occur in any external cold environment, activating as the body’s thermostat detects a drop in core temperature. On the other hand, quivering may occur in any situation that induces emotional stress or physical exertion, not necessarily related to temperature.
The mechanism behind shivering involves the brain's hypothalamus, which triggers these muscle movements to produce heat and raise body temperature. Conversely, quivering is not primarily a thermoregulatory response but can be linked to adrenaline release in stressful or exciting scenarios.
While shivering is generally more uniform and involves the whole body, quivering can be localized to specific areas like the hands, lips, or can even affect the voice, making it sound shaky.
Physiologically, shivering is considered a survival mechanism important for maintaining body temperature in cold climates. In contrast, quivering can be a sign of a psychological reaction and might not have a direct survival benefit but reflects emotional responses.
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Comparison Chart
Trigger
Cold temperatures
Emotional stress, fear, excitement, physical strain
Physiological Basis
Hypothalamus activation for heat generation
Adrenaline release during emotional states
Purpose
Thermoregulation (to increase body temperature)
Expresses emotional state or physical exertion
Common Areas Affected
Whole body
Specific areas like hands, lips, or voice
Involvement in Speech
Does not typically affect speech
May cause voice to shake
Compare with Definitions
Shivering
A physiological response controlled by the brain's hypothalamus.
His body began shivering, a response initiated by his hypothalamus.
Quivering
Often a sign of nervousness or excitement.
With anticipation, her lips quivered as she opened the letter.
Shivering
A thermoregulatory process critical in maintaining body temperature.
Shivering helps humans survive in extremely cold environments.
Quivering
Can affect speech, making it shaky and less confident.
He answered the phone with a quivering voice, betraying his anxiety.
Shivering
Often accompanied by chattering teeth and goosebumps.
The intense shivering was visible, complete with chattering teeth.
Quivering
Slight, rapid, involuntary movements, typically due to emotional stress.
Her voice was quivering during her entire speech.
Shivering
A rapid, involuntary movement of muscles to generate body heat.
She started shivering as soon as she stepped out into the snow.
Quivering
Not specifically related to cold or thermoregulation.
Despite the warm room, she was quivering throughout the confrontation.
Shivering
A reaction to exposure to cold, involving whole-body tremors.
After forgetting his coat, Tom was shivering on his walk home.
Quivering
May manifest locally in areas like the hands or lips.
His hands were quivering as he reached out to take the award.
Shivering
Shivering (also called shuddering) is a bodily function in response to cold and extreme fear in warm-blooded animals. When the core body temperature drops, the shivering reflex is triggered to maintain homeostasis.
Quivering
To shake with a slight, rapid, tremulous movement.
Shivering
To shake or tremble, as from cold or fear.
Quivering
To tremble, as from cold or strong emotion.
Shivering
To quiver or vibrate, as by the force of the wind.
Quivering
The act or motion of quivering.
Shivering
To cause (a sail) to flutter by sailing too close to the wind.
Quivering
Shaking, shivering
The quivering mass of jello rocked back and forth incessantly but remained on the plate.
Shivering
To break into fragments or splinters; shatter.
Quivering
Present participle of quiver
Shivering
To cause to break suddenly into fragments or splinters.
Quivering
A motion by which something quivers or trembles.
Quiverings of the eyelid
Shivering
An instance of shivering or trembling.
Quivering
A shaky motion;
The shaking of his fingers as he lit his pipe
Shivering
Shivers An attack of shivering. Used with the.
Quivering
The act of vibrating
Shivering
A fragment or splinter.
Quivering
Vibrating slightly and irregularly; as e.g. with fear or cold or like the leaves of an aspen in a breeze;
A quaking bog
The quaking child asked for more
Quivering leaves of a poplar tree
With shaking knees
Seemed shaky on her feet
Sparkling light from the shivering crystals of the chandelier
Trembling hands
Shivering
Present participle of shiver
Shivering
The action of a person or thing that shivers; a trembling.
Shivering
A sensation of cold that often marks the start of an infection and the development of a fever
Shivering
Vibrating slightly and irregularly; as e.g. with fear or cold or like the leaves of an aspen in a breeze;
A quaking bog
The quaking child asked for more
Quivering leaves of a poplar tree
With shaking knees
Seemed shaky on her feet
Sparkling light from the shivering crystals of the chandelier
Trembling hands
Common Curiosities
Is quivering the same as shivering?
No, quivering is usually linked to emotional responses or physical exertion, while shivering is a response to cold.
What emotions typically cause quivering?
Common emotions that cause quivering include fear, anxiety, excitement, or stress.
Does quivering serve a physiological purpose?
Quivering does not serve a physiological purpose like thermoregulation but is more about expressing emotional states.
Can anxiety cause quivering?
Yes, anxiety is a common cause of quivering, especially noticeable in the voice or hands.
What causes shivering?
Shivering is caused by cold temperatures prompting the body to generate heat through muscle activity.
Can you control shivering?
Shivering is generally involuntary and hard to control as it is an automatic response to cold.
Can everyone experience shivering?
Yes, shivering is a universal physiological response to cold, experienced by almost everyone.
How can you stop shivering?
Warming up the body through clothing, heating, or physical activity can help stop shivering.
How long can quivering last?
Quivering can last as long as the emotional or physical stressor is present.
Is shivering a sign of illness?
While typically a response to cold, excessive shivering can sometimes indicate fever or other medical conditions.
What parts of the body can quiver?
Quivering can affect various parts, most commonly the hands, lips, and sometimes the voice.
What should you do if you notice someone quivering?
If someone is quivering due to emotional distress, providing comfort or addressing the cause of stress can help.
Does shivering burn calories?
Yes, shivering can burn calories as it involves muscular activity and energy expenditure.
Is shivering ever a medical emergency?
Persistent or uncontrollable shivering, especially with other symptoms, might require medical attention.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
