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Lilted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lilted

[lɪltɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

speech pattern

The term 'lilted' typically refers to a rhythmic, uplifting manner of speaking or singing, characterized by a rise and fall in pitch. It often conveys a sense of musicality and cheerfulness. A lilted voice may suggest joy or playfulness, making conversations sound more engaging or lively. This aspect is often appreciated in poetry and music where intonation plays a critical role.

Synonyms

melodic, musical, rhythmic.

Examples of usage

  • She spoke in a lilted voice that brightened the atmosphere.
  • The children sang in lilted tones as they played.
  • His lilted speech made the story more captivating.
  • The music had a lilted quality, making it enchanting.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music

  • Many folk songs are characterized by a lilted rhythm that makes them catchy and memorable.
  • The term is often used to describe music that has a lively swing to it, commonly found in Celtic tunes.

Literature

  • Lilted language can bring poems to life, using upbeat tempo to enchant readers and listeners.
  • Authors often use lilted phrases to evoke a sense of joy and lightness in their narratives.

Psychology

  • Studies show that speaking in a lilted manner can enhance communication and make conversations more engaging.
  • People are often more receptive to messages conveyed with a rhythmic and cheerful tone.

Cultural Expressions

  • In many cultures, songs with a lilted quality are used during celebrations and festivals to uplift spirits.
  • Lilted expressions can be found in traditional storytelling, helping to maintain listener interest and invoke emotions.

Origin of 'lilted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lilt' comes from the Scottish word 'lilt', which means a song or a cheerful tune.
  • The addition of '-ed' indicates past tense, meaning something was done in a lively manner before.

The word 'lilt' has its roots in Middle English, deriving from the Old Norse word 'lita', which means 'to play or to sing'. It is associated with a light, cheerful rhythm or a raise and fall in pitch, commonly found in folk music and speech patterns. The term began to take on its more specific meaning of 'a cheerful or lively manner of speaking or singing' in the late 19th century. It reflects cultural aspects, particularly in regions where folk traditions emphasized melodic speech. The adjective 'lilted' emerged as a derivative form to describe the quality of speech or melody that embodies this pleasant and rhythmical characteristic, thus enriching the English lexicon with a term that captures both musicality and the expressiveness of communication.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,996, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.