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Lilt: meaning, definitions and examples

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lilt

 

[ lɪlt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

musical tone

A lilt is a light, cheerful, rhythmic quality in a person's voice or speech. It conveys a sense of joy and often features a rising and falling inflection. This term can also refer to a lively or cheerful song or tune. In many cultures, a lilt can be heard in folk music and traditional songs, adding a playful and engaging quality. The term sometimes suggests a gentle sway or movement associated with the sound.

Synonyms

inflection, melody, tone

Examples of usage

  • Her voice had a lovely lilt when she sang.
  • The lilt of the Irish folk song filled the room.
  • He spoke with a slight lilt that revealed his Scottish heritage.
Context #2 | Verb

singing lightly

To lilt means to sing or speak with a cheerful, lively rhythm or quality. This action often brings an upbeat tone to conversations and performances. When someone lilts, their speech may rise and fall in pitch, creating a melodic effect. This can evoke emotions of happiness and lightheartedness, enhancing the engagement of the audience. Lilting can also be associated with specific cultural expressions, highlighting the richness of language and melody.

Synonyms

chant, croon, sing

Examples of usage

  • She loves to lilt her favorite tunes in the shower.
  • As he read the poetry, he began to lilt with excitement.
  • The children lilted their songs during the festival.

Translations

Translations of the word "lilt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 timbre

🇮🇳 हल्का झुकाव

🇩🇪 Sanftheit

🇮🇩 lilt

🇺🇦 літ

🇵🇱 łagodność

🇯🇵 抑揚

🇫🇷 lilt

🇪🇸 susurro

🇹🇷 yumuşaklık

🇰🇷 흔들림

🇸🇦 همسات

🇨🇿 lilt

🇸🇰 lilt

🇨🇳 轻声

🇸🇮 lilt

🇮🇸 lilt

🇰🇿 жұмсақтық

🇬🇪 ლილტი

🇦🇿 dağılma

🇲🇽 susurro

Etymology

The word 'lilt' originates from the early 14th century, coming from the Middle English term 'lilten', meaning 'to sing or play music lightly'. The roots of the word are traced back to the Scots dialect, where it referred to a short, lively tune or song. Over time, 'lilt' has evolved to describe not only musical qualities but also the way people articulate words with a rhythmic, melodic inflection. It captures the essence of joyfulness in both vocal expression and the charm of regional accents. The lively character of lilting speech is often highlighted in literary works and songs, representing cultural heritage and emotional warmth.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,338, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.