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Flit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flit

[flɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

To move swiftly and lightly; to flutter or dart quickly.

Synonyms

dart, flutter, hover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flit

Used when something or someone moves quickly and lightly from one place to another, often in a carefree or erratic manner.

  • Butterflies flit through the garden
  • She tends to flit from one idea to another without finishing any of them
flutter

Used when something moves with quick, gentle, and often irregular movements, usually with wings or something similar.

  • The bird fluttered its wings rapidly
  • Her heart fluttered when she saw him
dart

Describes a sudden, quick movement typically in a specific direction, often implying precision or purpose.

  • The cat darted across the street
  • His eyes darted nervously around the room
hover

Refers to remaining in one place in the air, often implying a sense of waiting or watching.

  • The helicopter hovered above the building
  • He hovered nervously at the door, unsure whether to enter

Examples of usage

  • She watched the butterflies flit from flower to flower.
  • The hummingbird flitted around the garden, sipping nectar from the blossoms.
  • The fireflies flitted in the night, creating a magical glow.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Flit often appears in poetry to depict freedom and the lightness of being, such as the flight of butterflies.
  • Poets like William Wordsworth have used the term to evoke images of fleeting beauty in nature.
  • In children's literature, flitting characters like fairies embody magic and grace.

Nature

  • Many species of birds are described as flitting when they quickly change position to catch insects or find food.
  • Insects like butterflies and dragonflies are often noted for their flitting behavior as they move from flower to flower.
  • Flitting is also used to describe fish as they dart about in water, displaying agility.

Psychology

  • The term can describe a person's fleeting attention, such as when someone flits between topics in conversation.
  • Research shows that flitting between tasks can reduce overall productivity but increase creativity in brainstorming sessions.
  • People commonly exhibit flitting behaviors when bored, searching for stimulation through movement or distraction.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often flit from scene to scene to represent restlessness or a carefree spirit.
  • Animated films frequently use flitting movements to portray whimsical characters and enhance their playful nature.
  • The term is sometimes associated with the fast-paced editing style of modern music videos, giving a sense of energy.

Origin of 'flit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'fliten,' which means to fly or dart.
  • Rooted in Germanic languages, similar words for quick movement appear in Dutch and Old Norse.
  • In English literature, 'flit' has been used since the 15th century to describe the movement of small creatures.

The word 'flit' originated from the Old English word 'flittan' meaning 'to move to and fro, flutter, fly.' Over time, the meaning evolved to include swift and light movement, as seen in its modern usage. The word has been used in English literature for centuries to describe quick and agile movements.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,895, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.