Atwitter: meaning, definitions and examples
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atwitter
[ əˈtwɪtər ]
state of agitation
Atwitter describes a state of excitement, agitation, or nervousness. It typically refers to a person who is in a flustered or anxious state, often due to anticipation or worry. The term suggests a high level of emotional energy, which may result in fidgeting or an inability to focus. This word is less commonly used today but can be found in literary contexts.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was all atwitter before the big presentation.
- The children were atwitter with excitement on Christmas morning.
- He was atwitter with nervous energy before his performance.
Translations
Translations of the word "atwitter" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aterrorizado
🇮🇳 डरावना
🇩🇪 erschreckt
🇮🇩 terkejut
🇺🇦 переляканий
🇵🇱 przerażony
🇯🇵 恐ろしい (おそろしい)
🇫🇷 terrifié
🇪🇸 aterrorizado
🇹🇷 korkmuş
🇰🇷 공포에 질린 (gongpoe jillin)
🇸🇦 مفزع (mafza)
🇨🇿 vyděšený
🇸🇰 vydesený
🇨🇳 惊恐的 (jīngkǒng de)
🇸🇮 strašen
🇮🇸 hræddur
🇰🇿 қорыққан (qoryqqan)
🇬🇪 შეშინებული (sheshinebuli)
🇦🇿 təlaşda
🇲🇽 aterrorizado
Etymology
The word 'atwitter' originated in the early 19th century, likely as a combination of the prefix 'a-' (indicating a state or condition) and the noun 'twitter' which, at that time, described a series of light, quick sounds or movements – similar to how birds might flutter around. 'Twitter' itself has roots in Middle English, tracing back to the Old English word 'twiterian', which meant to chirp or to make light sounds. By the mid-1800s, 'atwitter' evolved to signify a figurative meaning, indicating a person who is fluttering with excitement, almost as if driven by the rapid, nervous energy commonly associated with tweets. Despite its literary charm, 'atwitter' has gradually fallen out of common usage in contemporary language, although it may occasionally be encountered in classic literature or in poetic expressions.