Flickering: meaning, definitions and examples

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flickering

[ˈflɪkərɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

light

Shining unsteadily; fluttering.

Synonyms

fluttering, unsteady, wavering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flickering	Describes a light that shines unsteadily or varies rapidly in brightness. Often used for candles, screens, or flames. The candle's flickering light created spooky shadows on the walls. I noticed the TV was flickering, so I called the technician.
unsteady	Describes something not firm or stable, often shaky. Can apply to physical objects, movements, or even emotional states. He was walking with unsteady steps after the surgery. Her voice was unsteady as she made the announcement.
fluttering	Often used to describe the quick, light movements of something, such as wings, fabrics, or leaves. It can also describe a sudden feeling of excitement or nervousness. The butterfly was fluttering around the garden. She felt her heart fluttering with excitement before the performance.
wavering	Implies hesitating or being undecided. Can also describe something that shakes, quivers, or fluctuates in intensity. She was wavering between staying at her job and quitting to travel the world. The flag was wavering in the strong wind.

Examples of usage

The flickering candle cast eerie shadows on the wall.
The flickering streetlight made it hard to see.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

fire

To burn or shine in an unsteady manner.

Synonyms

fluctuate, quiver, waver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flickering	Use when describing quick, irregular movements, especially with light or a flame. The candle's flame was flickering in the wind The old neon sign was flickering on and off
waver	Use when describing hesitation or an inability to make a decision, or when something is shaking or moving in an unsteady way. She wavered between going to the party and staying home The flag wavered in the strong wind
quiver	Use when describing a slight, rapid trembling movement, typically because of emotion or cold. She felt her hands quiver as she stood before the audience The leaves began to quiver in the gentle breeze

Word

Description / Examples

flickering

Use when describing quick, irregular movements, especially with light or a flame.

The candle's flame was flickering in the wind
The old neon sign was flickering on and off

waver

Use when describing hesitation or an inability to make a decision, or when something is shaking or moving in an unsteady way.

She wavered between going to the party and staying home
The flag wavered in the strong wind

quiver

Use when describing a slight, rapid trembling movement, typically because of emotion or cold.

She felt her hands quiver as she stood before the audience
The leaves began to quiver in the gentle breeze

Examples of usage

The fire was flickering in the fireplace.
The candle flickered before going out.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'flicker' comes from the Old English 'flicorian,' meaning to flutter or flick.
It was first commonly used in the early 19th century to describe the movement of light.

Physics

Flickering lights can happen due to inconsistent electrical supply, causing rapid changes in brightness.
In the case of candles, flickering can signal air movement or changes in temperature around the flame.

Pop Culture

Flickering lights are often used in horror films to create suspense and fright.
The animation technique of 'flickering' lights can be seen in classic cartoons to exaggerate humor or excitement.

Psychology

Flickering lights have been shown to affect mood, with consistent flickering sometimes causing discomfort or anxiety.
In contrast, gently flickering lights can create a calming atmosphere, often utilized in relaxation techniques.

Art

Artists sometimes use light flickering in installations to evoke change or highlight movement in their work.
The play of light and shadow caused by flickering is a technique used in many forms of visual art to convey emotion.

Translations

Translations of the word "flickering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cintilante

🇮🇳 झिलमिलाना

🇩🇪 flackernd

🇮🇩 berkedip

🇺🇦 миготіння

🇵🇱 migotanie

🇯🇵 ちらつく

🇫🇷 scintillant

🇪🇸 parpadeante

🇹🇷 titreşen

🇰🇷 깜박거리는

🇸🇦 وميض

🇨🇿 blikající

🇸🇰 blikanie

🇨🇳 闪烁的

🇸🇮 utripajoč

🇮🇸 flöktandi

🇰🇿 жарқырау

🇬🇪 მოძრაობა

🇦🇿 titrəyən

🇲🇽 parpadeante

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,645, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15642 minced
15643 amnesty
15644 vehemently
15645 flickering
15646 inject
15647 refrigerated
15648 soothe
...