Fluttered Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈflʌtərd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb or Adjective

Definition

A verb meaning to move or flutter gently with a smooth, waving motion, or an adjective describing something that moves or quivers in this way.

Examples

• The doves fluttered in and out of the trees.
• The leaves fluttered in the gentle breeze.
• The butterfly fluttered its wings in the sunlight.

Synonyms

• Flutter
• Wave
• Quiver

Antonyms

• Steady
• Calm
• Still

Additional Information

The verb ‘flutter’ describes a gentle, flowing movement, often associated with birds in flight or leaves blowing in the wind. In poetry and literature, this verb is used to evoke a sense of lightness and freedom.

Adverbial forms, such as ‘flutteringly’, describe the way something moves, while adjectival forms, like ‘fluttering’, describe the quality of movement.

The word is often used in combination with other words, such as ‘flutter by’ or ‘flutter over’. In some cases, ‘flutter’ can be used as a metaphor for mental or emotional turmoil.

In a biological context, flutter may describe the rapid, wing-like movement of certain animals, such as a fish or an insect.

The word has been used in various cultural and historical contexts, including art, literature, and music.

Etymology

The word ‘flutter’ comes from Old French ‘flutter’, which is derived from ‘fluter’, meaning ‘to flutter or flutter away’. This is further related to the verb ‘fleurir’, meaning ‘to bloom or flourish’. The word ‘flutter’ has been in use since the 14th century.

Usage Notes

When using the word ‘flutter’ as a verb, consider the context in which it is written. For example, ‘The birds flutter in the trees’ is a common usage, while ‘The bird fluttered its wings in the air’ is more specialized.

In writing, it is essential to use the correct part of speech and tense to convey the intended meaning.

When using the word in combination with others, consider the connotations and nuances of each word to create a cohesive and meaningful expression.

Cultural References

The word ‘flutter’ has been used in various cultural and literary references, including the works of William Wordsworth and John Keats.

In music, ‘flutter’ has been used as a metaphor for the gentle, flowing motion of a feather or a leaf.

In art, ‘flutter’ has been depicted as a visual representation of movement, often in combination with other words or symbols.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Flutter by: to pass quickly or lightly
• Flutter over: to move or pass over something quickly or lightly

Related Words or Phrases

• Flicker: a short, quick movement or motion
• Quiver: to shake or tremble slightly
• Wave: a movement or motion from side to side

Collocations

• Flutter and laugh: to move or laugh playfully
• Fluttering wings: describing the rapid movement of bird wings
• Fluttering leaves: describing the gentle movement of leaves in the wind

Frequency of Use

The word ‘flutter’ is relatively common in modern English, particularly in poetic or literary contexts.

However, its usage can vary depending on the region or genre of writing.

Common Misspellings

• Flutered
• Flaurter
• Falter