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Fiddling: meaning, definitions and examples

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fiddling

 

[ ˈfɪd.lɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

music

To play (a tune) on a musical instrument, especially in an improvisatory way.

Synonyms

improvise, perform, play

Examples of usage

  • He was fiddling with the strings of his guitar.
  • She fiddled with the piano keys, creating a beautiful melody.
Context #2 | Verb

manipulating

To touch or move something with your fingers in a way that is not easy to see, especially because you are bored or nervous.

Synonyms

fidget, tinker, twiddle

Examples of usage

  • Stop fiddling with your pen and pay attention!
  • She fiddled nervously with the buttons on her coat.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

An act of adjusting or manipulating something in a way that is not easy to see.

Synonyms

adjustment, manipulation, tinkering

Examples of usage

  • He made a fiddling adjustment to the settings.
  • The fiddling with the controls caused the machine to malfunction.

Translations

Translations of the word "fiddling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mexer

🇮🇳 छेड़छाड़ करना

🇩🇪 herumspielen

🇮🇩 bermain-main

🇺🇦 возитися

🇵🇱 majstrować

🇯🇵 いじる

🇫🇷 tripoter

🇪🇸 juguetear

🇹🇷 oynamak

🇰🇷 만지작거리다

🇸🇦 عبث

🇨🇿 hrát si

🇸🇰 hrať sa

🇨🇳 摆弄

🇸🇮 igrati se

🇮🇸 fikta

🇰🇿 шұқылау

🇬🇪 გართობა

🇦🇿 oynamaq

🇲🇽 juguetear

Word origin

The word 'fiddling' has its origins from the Middle English word 'fithelen' which meant 'to play the fiddle'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the meanings of adjusting, manipulating, or playing in an improvised manner. The term is often used in a casual or informal context to describe small, often insignificant actions or adjustments.

See also: fiddler, fiddlestick.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,735, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.