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Fidget Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fidget

[ˈfɪdʒɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

nervous

Make small movements, especially of the hands and feet, through nervousness or impatience.

Synonyms

fuss, squirm, wriggle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fidget

Typically describes small, restless movements, often because of nervousness or impatience. Common in situations where someone has to sit still for long periods.

  • He began to fidget in his seat during the long meeting
squirm

Describes continuous wriggling movements, often from discomfort or embarrassment. Commonly used for children or animals trying to get free or move away.

  • The little boy squirmed in his mother's arms, trying to reach the toy
wriggle

Indicates twisting and turning movements, usually to get free or move with difficulty. Often used for animals or children trying to escape a tight spot.

  • The puppy wriggled out of my grasp and ran across the yard
fuss

Involves unnecessary excitement or dealing with small matters obsessively. Often used to describe someone getting anxious or worried over trivial things. Can have a negative connotation.

  • She made a fuss over the slightly wrinkled tablecloth

Examples of usage

  • She was fidgeting with her pen during the meeting.
  • Stop fidgeting and sit still.
Context #2 | Noun

restlessness

A person who fidgets; a restless or uneasy person.

Synonyms

restless person, squirmer, wriggler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fidget

When someone can't stay still and continuously makes small movements due to nervousness, boredom, or impatience.

  • She started to fidget in her seat during the long meeting
restless person

Used for someone who is unable to relax or keep still, often because they are anxious or bored; can also describe someone who is constantly looking for change or excitement.

  • He's always been a restless person, never satisfied with staying in one place for too long
wriggler

Describes someone, often a child, who moves in a twisting or squirming way, typically when trying to get out of a confined space or when uncomfortable.

  • The baby was a wriggler, constantly moving and fidgeting whenever his diaper was being changed
squirmer

A term often used for children who move around a lot and cannot sit still due to high energy; it can have a playful or slightly negative connotation.

  • The little boy was such a squirmer during storytime, he kept wiggling in his seat

Examples of usage

  • He couldn't sit still and was always a fidget in class.
  • She's such a fidget, always moving around.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that fidgeting can help some people focus better, especially those with attention-related challenges.
  • Fidgeting might increase blood flow and energy levels, helping the brain to stay alert during tasks.

Pop Culture

  • Fidget spinners became a trendy toy in the mid-2010s, marketed for stress relief and focus.
  • Fidgeting is often portrayed in movies as a sign of nervousness or excitement, like when characters can't stop moving.

Health

  • Doctors suggest that light fidgeting can counteract harmful effects of prolonged sitting, promoting activity.
  • Some studies indicate that fidgeting can help burn small amounts of calories throughout the day.

Education

  • In classrooms, allowing students to fidget can create a more comfortable learning environment and improve concentration.
  • Hands-on activities and fidget tools are increasingly being used in educational settings to help students engage better.

Origin of 'fidget'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'fijeten,' meaning to move about restlessly.
  • Its roots can be tracked to the Old French 'fidgeter,' which conveys a similar sense of restless movement.

The word 'fidget' originated from the Middle English word 'fidge', which means 'to fidget or move restlessly'. It has been used since the 17th century to describe small, restless movements. The term is often associated with feelings of nervousness or impatience.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,731 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.