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Fluttering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fluttering

[หˆflสŒtษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

butterfly wings

Moving or causing to move in a light, quick, and irregular way; to flap or wave rapidly.

Synonyms

flap, quiver, wave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fluttering

When something moves rapidly and lightly, often used to describe the gentle, rapid movements of birds' wings or flags in the wind.

  • The butterfly was fluttering its wings gently
  • Her heart was fluttering nervously before the speech
flap

Used when describing a more pronounced and often noisy, back-and-forth movement, commonly associated with birds, flags, or even human actions.

  • The bird started to flap its wings as it tried to take off
  • The old sign flapped in the wind

Examples of usage

  • The butterflies were fluttering around the garden.
  • The curtains fluttered in the breeze.
Context #2 | Verb

heart

To beat rapidly or irregularly, typically as a result of nervousness or excitement.

Synonyms

beat rapidly, palpitate, pound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fluttering

This word is best used when describing a light, rapid motion, often of something delicate or gentle such as wings or fabric.

  • The butterfly was fluttering its wings around the flowers
  • Her heart was fluttering with excitement
beat rapidly

This phrase is suitable for describing a quick and intense movement, usually of the heart, often due to fear, excitement, or physical exertion.

  • After running up the stairs, his heart was beating rapidly
  • Her heart beat rapidly at the sight of her surprise birthday party
pound

This word is used to describe a heavy, forceful, and often loud beating, typically of the heart when one is very scared, excited, or physically active.

  • His heart pounded inside his chest during the horror movie
  • She felt her heart pound with anticipation as the race began
palpitate

This word is often used in a medical or formal context to describe an irregular or rapid beating of the heart, typically due to anxiety or illness.

  • His heart began to palpitate as he waited for the exam results
  • The doctor asked if she had experienced any palpitations recently

Examples of usage

  • Her heart fluttered with anticipation.
  • I could feel my heart fluttering in my chest.
Context #3 | Noun

bird wings

A quick, light, and irregular movement or sound.

Synonyms

flap, quiver, rustle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fluttering

This word is often used to describe light, rapid movements, typically by wings or something light and delicate like a piece of paper or leaves in the wind.

  • Butterflies were fluttering around the garden.
  • The leaves were fluttering in the gentle breeze.
flap

This term usually signifies a broader, louder motion and is often used for larger, heavier objects or wings moving more forcefully.

  • The bird flapped its wings and took off.
  • The flag flapped noisily in the strong wind.
quiver

Quivering implies small, rapid movements and often conveys a sense of shakiness or slight trembling. It can describe emotions or physical objects.

  • She could feel a quiver of fear in her voice.
  • The rabbitโ€™s whiskers quivered as it sniffed the air.
rustle

Rustling typically refers to a soft, light sound that leaves, paper, or fabric make as they move. It indicates a gentle, often pleasant, kind of sound.

  • The leaves rustled softly in the wind.
  • She heard a rustling sound coming from the closet.

Examples of usage

  • The bird took flight with a flutter of its wings.
  • The pages of the book made a soft fluttering sound as he turned them.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Many insects, like butterflies and bees, are known for their fluttering flight, which helps them navigate flowers.
  • Birds, especially sparrows and warblers, exhibit fluttering behaviors during mating displays or while evading predators.
  • Fluttering leaves can indicate a change in the weather, signaling winds or approaching storms.

Psychology

  • The fluttering sensation in our stomachs is commonly associated with nervousness or excitement, often referred to as 'butterflies in the stomach.'
  • Studies suggest that the perception of fluttering movements, such as in visual arts, can evoke feelings of joy or delight.
  • Similar to how butterfly wings flutter, humans often express emotions through quick body movements, like nervous fidgeting.

Literature

  • In poetry, fluttering is often used as a symbol of fleeting beauty and the ephemeral nature of life.
  • Writers frequently describe the fluttering of pages in the wind, evoking feelings of nostalgia or adventure.
  • Novels often portray fluttering hearts as a metaphor for love and attraction, adding intensity to romantic scenes.

Art

  • Artists use the motif of fluttering wings to represent freedom and transformation, as seen in many paintings and sculptures.
  • In dance, fluttering movements can illustrate themes of joy and spontaneity, with performers embodying the essence of flight.
  • The delicate fluttering of fabric in fashion shows can symbolize grace and elegance, enhancing visual storytelling.

Origin of 'fluttering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'flyht,' which means 'to fly' or 'to flit,' emphasizing quick movements.
  • It has roots in the Middle Dutch word 'flodderen,' which means to flap or flutter.
  • By the 16th century, it was used in English to describe the movement of birds and leaves rustling in the wind.

The word 'fluttering' originated from the Middle English word 'floteren', which meant to float or fly. Over time, the word evolved to describe the quick, light, and irregular movements associated with butterflies, birds, and rapid heartbeats. The term has been in use for centuries to depict these delicate and lively motions.

See also: flutterby.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,549, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.