Fillip: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

fillip

 

[ˈfɪlɪp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

action boost

A fillip is a small action or gesture meant to give a boost or encouragement to something. It often refers to a stimulus or a stimulus-like action that enhances activity or motivation.

Synonyms

boost, encouragement, incentive, stimulus.

Examples of usage

  • The motivational speech provided a much-needed fillip to the team.
  • A little extra funding can serve as a fillip for the struggling project.
  • The recent success was a fillip for further innovation.
  • His encouragement was a fillip to her confidence.
  • They are looking for a fillip to improve sales this quarter.
Context #2 | Verb

to stimulate

To fillip means to flick or snap something. It can also refer to an action that stimulates or invigorates something, much like a small boost or encouragement.

Synonyms

flick, invigorate, snap, stimulate.

Examples of usage

  • He filled his fingers to fillip the water droplets across the surface.
  • She filled the pen to fillip her writing with enthusiasm.
  • Fillip the page gently to get the viewer’s attention.
  • He filled the card with a little fillip to make it special.
  • Fillip the wound with care to avoid complications.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Latin word 'fillipare,' which means to strike or flick with the fingers.
  • First appeared in English around the early 19th century, originally used to describe a playful movement.

Usage in Language

  • 'Fillip' has a playful sound that matches its meaning, often used in describing an action that adds zest or vigor.
  • While often considered an informal term, it can be used in both everyday conversation and literary contexts.

Psychology

  • Small bursts of excitement or changes, like a fillip, can trigger the brain's reward system, enhancing motivation.
  • Studies suggest that minor unexpected events can lead to increased happiness or engagement.

Popular Culture

  • In sports, a sudden burst of energy or a play that changes the course of the game can be described as a fillip.
  • Various music pieces or movie scenes are crafted to deliver a fillip, surprising the audience at just the right moment.

Literature

  • Authors often use small yet impactful moments as fillips to develop characters or advance plots unexpectedly.
  • Notable writers have used the concept in poetry to create vivid imagery or surprise endings.

Translations

Translations of the word "fillip" in other languages:

🇵🇹 golpe de dedo

🇮🇳 उंगली का एक झटका

🇩🇪 Fingerstreich

🇮🇩 gerakan jari

🇺🇦 поштовх пальцем

🇵🇱 dotyk palcem

🇯🇵 指での動き

🇫🇷 coup de doigt

🇪🇸 toque con el dedo

🇹🇷 parmak hareketi

🇰🇷 손가락으로 누르기

🇸🇦 لمسة إصبع

🇨🇿 dotyk prstem

🇸🇰 dotyk prstom

🇨🇳 手指触碰

🇸🇮 dotik s prstom

🇮🇸 fingra snerting

🇰🇿 саусақпен түрту

🇬🇪 გულზე თითის შეხება

🇦🇿 barmaqlarla vurma

🇲🇽 toque con el dedo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,112 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.