Fluttering: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "fluttering" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tremulando

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเคกเคผเคซเคกเคผเคพเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช flattern

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berkibar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ั€ะตะผั‚ั–ะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ trzepotanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใฏใŸใ‚ใ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท battement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ revoloteo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kanat รงฤฑrpma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŽ„๋Ÿญ์ž„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑูุฑูุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tล™epotรกnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ trepotanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ขคๅŠจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ trepetanje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ flรถkt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะปั‚ั‹ั€ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒแƒ แƒคแƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ titrษ™mษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ revoloteo

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.