Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Riffled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📖
Add to dictionary

riffled

[ˈrɪf(ə)ld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

flipping pages

Riffled refers to the action of quickly flipping through the pages of a book or other document, often to skim or locate specific information. This term can also be used to describe the way in which cards are shuffled. The motion generally involves a rapid movement, creating a flicking sound as the pages or cards are tossed together. Riffled can also imply a light scattering or displacement of items, creating a disorganized appearance.

Synonyms

flipped, shuffled, skipped.

Examples of usage

  • He riffled through the pages of his notebook.
  • She riffled the deck of cards before dealing.
  • I riffled the documents to find the important memo.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literary contexts, 'riffled' often describes the motion of quickly browsing a text, capturing fleeting information.
  • Riffled pages can lead to serendipitous discoveries, where a reader stumbles upon unexpected insights.
  • Authors sometimes manipulate the concept of riffled narratives by presenting fragmented stories that require readers to 'riffle' through them.

Education

  • In classrooms, educators encourage students to 'riffle' through their notes or textbooks for better retention during study sessions.
  • This technique aids active learning, allowing students to engage with material dynamically rather than passively reading.
  • Riffled reading strategies can enhance critical thinking by prompting learners to decode and analyze content swiftly.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, flicking through material can trigger curiosity and increase cognitive engagement with the content.
  • The act of riffing through information links to the concept of spaced repetition, where quick reviews strengthen memory.
  • Quickly scanning information is often part of developing skimming techniques that improve information processing efficiency.

Pop Culture

  • Riffled pages in comics or graphic novels symbolize the fast-paced consumption of stories in contemporary media.
  • In film scenes, characters riffle through documents to convey urgency or to foreshadow key plot points.
  • The phrase 'riffle through the channels' is commonly used to describe the modern experience of browsing TV options quickly.

Origin of 'riffled'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from the Middle English word 'riffle', which means to ripple or to overturn.
  • Originally used to describe the action of swishing or stirring water, it evolved to mean flipping through pages.
  • The idea of rapid movement associated with the word connects to its later uses in various contexts.

The word 'riffled' originates from the verb 'riffle', which dates back to the late 19th century. It is presumed to have been derived from the Middle English term 'rifle', meaning to stir up or disturb, and likely has roots in the older word 'riffling', which referred to the noise produced by bubbling water. The association with swiftly moving or flipping through pages or cards evolved, reflecting a more metaphorical sense of stirring or agitating through objects. Its usage has broadly expanded in modern English to encompass various contexts, yet the core connotation of quickly sifting through remains prevalent.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,120, 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.