Stirring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stirring

[หˆstษœหrษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional

causing great emotion; moving

Synonyms

emotional, inspiring, moving, touching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stirring

Used when something arouses strong feelings or excitement. It is often used to describe speeches, performances, and music that energize or motivate people.

  • The president's stirring address brought the crowd to its feet.
  • A stirring rendition of the national anthem.
emotional

Appears in situations where strong feelings, whether happy, sad, or angry, are evoked. It is broad and can describe anything that deeply affects a person's feelings.

  • The emotional farewell left everyone in tears.
  • He gave an emotional speech at his retirement party.
moving

Commonly used for something that touches peopleโ€™s hearts and often makes them feel empathy or sympathy. It is often related to personal stories, art, and scenes that generate strong emotional reactions.

  • The movie's ending was incredibly moving.
  • She told a moving story about her childhood.
touching

Used when something causes someone to feel sympathy, love, or pity. It is often described for moments that feel tender or heartwarming.

  • It was touching to see the community come together to help the family.
  • His kind words were very touching.
inspiring

Best used to describe something that motivates people to take action, often in a positive manner. It can be applied to stories, people, speeches, and accomplishments that drive others to achieve more.

  • Her success story is truly inspiring.
  • The coach gave an inspiring talk before the big game.

Examples of usage

  • His stirring speech inspired the crowd to take action.
  • The stirring music brought tears to her eyes.
Context #2 | Noun

cooking

the act of mixing ingredients together with a circular movement

Synonyms

agitating, blending, mixing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stirring

Repeated for thoroughness: Usually used when you want to create a continuous movement to mix ingredients together, often slowly and deliberately. It can also denote emotionally moving actions or speeches.

  • She was stirring the soup gently.
  • The speech was so stirring that it moved many to tears.
mixing

General term for combining two or more substances. It can be used in both cooking and non-cooking contexts.

  • She was mixing the batter for the cake.
  • The DJ was mixing two songs together.
blending

Typically used when combining substances smoothly so that they become one homogeneous mixture. It is often used in cooking, cosmetics, and art.

  • Blend the ingredients until smooth.
  • The artist is blending the colors on the canvas.
agitating

Often used when causing a movement or disturbance in a substance or a situation. It has a slightly negative connotation, implying a more forceful or disruptive action.

  • The washing machine was agitating the clothes vigorously.
  • His words were agitating the crowd.

Examples of usage

  • She gave the soup a quick stirring before serving it.
  • The recipe calls for gentle stirring to avoid lumps.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The term often appears in poetry to convey deep emotion, indicating a movement of the heart or mind.
  • Authors like Shakespeare used 'stirring' to introduce conflict or excitement in their plays, affecting characters and audiences alike.
  • Stirring moments in narratives often lead to pivotal changes in character development.

Psychology

  • Stirring emotions are essential in creating connections with others, influencing shared experiences and empathy.
  • Psychological studies show that stirring events can trigger adrenaline, impacting memory retention positively.
  • Feeling stirred can encourage motivated decision-making, as strong emotions often drive our actions.

Pop Culture

  • Stirring music is often used in movies to evoke tears or joy, fundamentally changing the viewer's experience.
  • In motivational speeches, stirring messages can rally crowds and incite action, making people feel empowered.
  • Popular songs often have stirring choruses that trigger emotions, encouraging sing-alongs and shared experiences.

Origin of 'stirring'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stirring' comes from the Old English 'styrian,' meaning to move or disturb.
  • It was historically used to describe mixing ingredients in cooking, showing how food preparation involves emotions.
  • In literature, stirring has been connected to singing, where movement and sound create passion.

The word 'stirring' originated from the Old English word 'styrian' which meant to move, agitate, or excite. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of causing great emotion or mixing ingredients together. The term has been used in various contexts, from emotional speeches to cooking instructions, highlighting its versatility.


See also: stir, stirrer.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,517 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.