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Tilt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tilt

[tɪlt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in photography

A tilt refers to the rotation of a camera on its vertical axis. It is often used to create a sense of depth or to adjust the focal plane to capture a specific area in focus.

Synonyms

angle, rotation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tilt

Tilt is mostly used when something is slightly slanted or not perfectly level. It can describe adjusting an object to a slight incline or shifting its position.

  • She tilted her head to listen closely.
  • The picture frame had a slight tilt.
rotation

Rotation refers to the action of turning around an axis or center. It is often used in scientific, mechanical, or mathematical contexts.

  • The Earth completes one rotation every 24 hours.
  • Rotate the handle to open the valve.
angle

Angle is used when discussing the measure between two intersecting lines or surfaces. It can also mean a particular perspective or point of view in a metaphorical sense.

  • The carpenter measured the angle before cutting the wood.
  • From my angle, it looked like a good idea.

Examples of usage

  • The photographer used a tilt to capture the entire building in the frame.
  • She adjusted the tilt of the camera to focus on the flowers in the foreground.
Context #2 | Verb

to lean or incline

To tilt means to move or cause to move into a sloping position. It can also refer to a confrontation or a conflict between two parties.

Synonyms

incline, lean.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tilt

Use 'tilt' when you want to describe a slight angling or slanting, often temporary or adjustable. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a change in direction or opinion.

  • She tilted her head to hear better.
  • The picture on the wall is tilted.
  • The game started to tilt in their favor.
lean

Use 'lean' when referring to resting in a slanted position for support or moving the body in a certain direction. It can also mean having a tendency or preference towards something.

  • She leaned on the railing.
  • He leaned forward to look out the window.
  • I'm leaning towards accepting the job offer.
incline

Use 'incline' when referring to a slope or an upward/downward surface. It can also describe a tendency or preference towards something.

  • The road inclines sharply after the curve.
  • He has an artistic incline.
  • The table must be set on an incline.

Examples of usage

  • He tilted the painting slightly to the left for better visibility.
  • The two teams were about to tilt in a fierce debate.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Physics

  • In physics, tilting can affect balance and stability, often analyzed using concepts like center of mass.
  • A tilted surface can cause objects to roll or slide, which is useful for understanding mechanics in engineering.
  • Tilt angles are crucial in the study of gravity, affecting how objects orbit around planets.

Art

  • Artists often tilt canvases for dramatic effect, giving a sense of movement and dynamism.
  • In photography, a tilt-shift technique can create a miniature effect, making scenes appear like toy models.
  • Tilted perspectives in paintings can evoke feelings of unease or tension, engaging viewers in unique ways.

Culture

  • In gaming, characters or items often tilt to indicate a change in state, like being defeated or off-balance.
  • Sports like basketball and baseball use the concept of tilt to describe when a game's momentum shifts dramatically.
  • In music, having a 'tilted' melodic phrase can create a catchy hook that stands out.

Psychology

  • The idea of tilt can relate to mental states, where a person feels 'tilted' or off-balance emotionally.
  • In social situations, feeling tilted might describe someone who is confused or out of sync with their environment.
  • Cognitive tilt often happens during decision-making, where biases can skew judgment.

Origin of 'tilt'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'tyltan', meaning to tilt or lean.
  • In the 15th century, the term was also linked to jousting, where knights would tilt their lances at each other.
  • Latin influences can be traced to 'tiltare', which also means to lean or incline.

The word 'tilt' originated from the Old English word 'tylt', meaning a barrier or railing. Over time, it evolved to encompass the meanings of leaning, inclining, and rotating. In photography, the term 'tilt' gained popularity to describe the adjustment of a camera's angle. The verb form of 'tilt' also came to represent confrontations or conflicts, reflecting the idea of two opposing forces moving towards each other.

See also: tilted, tiltedly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,845, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.