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Riffling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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riffling

[ˈrɪflɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

shuffling pages

Riffling refers to the action of quickly flipping through the pages of a book or a stack of paper. This can often be done to find a specific page or to skim through the content for information. The term can also imply a casual, hasty manner of handling papers, suggesting a light or playful treatment of the material. It is commonly used in contexts like reading, research, and examining documents. In a more figurative sense, riffling can describe the act of stirring up or causing to move in a random manner.

Synonyms

browsing, flipping, shuffling, skimming.

Examples of usage

  • She was riffling through the pages of the novel.
  • He started riffling the papers on the desk to find his report.
  • The librarian caught him riffling through the magazines.
  • I spent the afternoon riffling through old family albums.

Translations

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

Origin of 'riffling'

The word 'riffling' is derived from the verb 'riffle', which has its roots in the mid-19th century. 'Riffle' itself comes from the 18th-century term 'riffle', which means to make a rapid movement over the surface of something or to flip through. Its origins can be traced back to the concept of causing something to flow in a light, irregular manner. As it evolved, the word came to be associated specifically with quickly turning pages, often in a way that suggests a lack of care or a desire for a quick overview rather than a detailed examination. The playful connotation of the action has allowed 'riffling' to find use in both casual and literary contexts, illustrating the multifaceted nature of human interaction with texts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,785, 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.