Here's why:
* Origin: The word "tremulous" comes from the Latin word "tremere," meaning "to tremble." This inherent connection to shaking and trembling naturally implies a state of unease and vulnerability.
* Usage: We rarely use "tremulous" to describe something positive. For example, you wouldn't say someone has a "tremulous" voice when they are confident and powerful. Instead, it's used to describe a voice that shakes due to nervousness, fear, or weakness.
Here are some examples of how the negative connotation of "tremulous" plays out in different contexts:
* A tremulous voice: This suggests someone speaking with hesitation and fear.
* A tremulous hand: This indicates a hand shaking due to anxiety or weakness.
* A tremulous step: This describes a hesitant and unsteady movement, implying fear or insecurity.
While "tremulous" can sometimes be used to describe something beautiful, like a "tremulous light," its primary connotation is negative and evokes feelings of vulnerability and fear.