Flitting: meaning, definitions and examples

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flitting

[ˈflɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

swift movement

Flitting refers to moving swiftly and lightly from one place to another. It often describes the rapid and graceful motion, which can resemble the flight of a bird or butterfly. This term can depict both literal movement, such as a small animal leaping from branch to branch, and metaphorical movement, like fleeting thoughts or moments. The essence of flitting captures the sense of lightness and transience in movement.

Synonyms

darting, flying, skimming, zigzagging.

Examples of usage

The butterfly was flitting from flower to flower.
As I walked through the garden, I noticed the hummingbirds flitting about.
Her mind was flitting between various topics during the discussion.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

brief presence

In a more abstract sense, flitting can signify a brief appearance or presence in a space. This usage conveys the idea of visiting or lingering only for a short time, similar to how a whisper may barely echo before it fades away. Flitting in this context often describes moments that are fleeting yet significant.

Synonyms

gliding, hovering, passing, skimming.

Examples of usage

She flitted in and out of the party, hardly staying for a full conversation.
The fleeting shadows flitted across the walls as the sun set.
His thoughts flitted like a bird, never staying in one place too long.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from Middle English 'fliten,' meaning to flutter or fly lightly.
Old Norse 'flita' means to move swiftly, showing a connection to Nordic languages.
The word has been used in English since at least the late 14th century to describe light and quick movement.

Nature

Many birds, like hummingbirds, are known for their flitting movements as they hover around flowers to feed.
Insects, particularly butterflies and dragonflies, exhibit flitting behavior, demonstrating agility and grace.
Flitting can also describe leaves gently moving in the wind, creating a natural, calming atmosphere.

Literature

Flitting is often used in poetry to convey delicacy and the fleeting nature of life, as in the works of romantic poets.
In children's literature, characters may be described as flitting about to emphasize their playfulness and energy.
This word can evoke imagery of ethereal beings or spirits in fantasy stories, highlighting their lightness and transience.

Psychology

Flitting behavior in animals can indicate heightened arousal or adaptiveness in various environments.
In human behavior, flitting from task to task can suggest distractibility or a search for stimulation, often seen in modern digital lifestyles.
Cognitive studies show that our attention can flit frequently between tasks, which impacts productivity and focus.

Pop Culture

In animated films, characters often flit about to convey energy and spontaneity, making scenes more dynamic.
Flitting movements are popular in dance forms, like ballet, where dancers often execute light and airy leaps.
The term is sometimes used in song lyrics to describe a carefree or whimsical day-to-day experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "flitting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flitante

🇮🇳 उड़ते हुए

🇩🇪 flatternd

🇮🇩 terbang

🇺🇦 літаючий

🇵🇱 fruwający

🇯🇵 ひらひらしている

🇫🇷 volant

🇪🇸 flotante

🇹🇷 uçuşan

🇰🇷 날아다니는

🇸🇦 طارئ

🇨🇿 letící

🇸🇰 lietajúci

🇨🇳 飞翔的

🇸🇮 leteči

🇮🇸 fljúgandi

🇰🇿 ұшатын

🇬🇪 ფრენი

🇦🇿 uçan

🇲🇽 flotante

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,753, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22750 unprejudiced
22751 subduing
22752 apportioning
22753 flitting
22754 rusting
22755 silverware
22756 temperamental
...