Lilting: meaning, definitions and examples

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lilting

 

[ ˈlɪltɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

musical tone

Lilting refers to a light, cheerful, and rhythmic manner of speaking or singing, often characterized by a rising and falling intonation. It can evoke a sense of joy and playfulness in conversation or music. The term is commonly used to describe a melodic quality that is expressive and lively. In music, it often pertains to a gentle, swaying rhythm that captures the listener's attention.

Synonyms

melodic, musical, rhythmic, singing

Examples of usage

  • She spoke with a lilting voice that enchanted everyone in the room.
  • The lilting melody of the song made it unforgettable.
  • He hummed a lilting tune as he worked in the garden.

Translations

Translations of the word "lilting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cantando

🇮🇳 लयबद्धता

🇩🇪 gesangsvoll

🇮🇩 bernyanyi

🇺🇦 поспівування

🇵🇱 śpiewny

🇯🇵 歌うような

🇫🇷 chantant

🇪🇸 cantando

🇹🇷 şarkı söyleyen

🇰🇷 노래하는

🇸🇦 غنائى

🇨🇿 zpívající

🇸🇰 spievajúci

🇨🇳 唱歌的

🇸🇮 poje

🇮🇸 söngvandi

🇰🇿 ән айтатын

🇬🇪 მღერალი

🇦🇿 mahnı oxuyan

🇲🇽 cantando

Etymology

The word 'lilting' originates from the Middle English term 'lilte', which meant to sing or make melodies. The term has roots in the Old English ‘līllan,’ meaning to sing softly. Over time, it evolved from its historical ties to light singing into its modern usage that encompasses a sense of musicality, rhythm, and playful intonation. In various cultures, the concept of lilting has been associated with traditional music and folk songs, capturing an essence of joy and carefree expression. The evolution of 'lilting' signifies its enduring connection to both music and spoken language, highlighting its cultural significance.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,891, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.