Trilled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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trilled
[trɪld ]
Definitions
sound production
To trill means to sing or play with a rapid succession of sounds, often producing a high-pitched or wavering tone. It is commonly used to describe the way birds sing or the way certain instruments produce sound.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The canary trilled beautifully in the sunlight.
- She trilled a happy tune while working.
- The flute trilled sweetly during the concert.
expressing excitement
In informal usage, to trill can also mean to express excitement or delight with a series of quick, high sounds, often used in relation to human vocalizations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She trilled with excitement when she saw her old friend.
- The children trilled as they ran towards the playground.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Music
- In music, a trill is a technique where a musician rapidly alternates between two notes, creating an exciting sound.
- This technique is often found in classical pieces, especially in works by composers like Bach and Mozart.
- Modern musicians in genres like jazz and pop use trilling to add flair and expressiveness to their performances.
Bird Songs
- Many bird species, like warblers and canaries, are known for their trilling calls, which are used to attract mates or warn off rivals.
- Trilling can vary widely between species, with some calls being complex and melodic, while others are simple and repetitive.
- Bird enthusiasts often listen for unique trills to identify different species in their habitats.
Linguistics
- In phonetics, a trill is a type of consonant sound produced with rapid vibration, like in some languages using the rolled 'r'.
- Many languages, including Spanish and Italian, feature trilled sounds, making them crucial for pronunciation.
- Trilling can change the meaning of words, as seen in languages where a trilled sound distinguishes between similar words.
Popular Culture
- Trills often appear in cartoons and movies to signify excitement or joy, enhancing the playful feel of a scene.
- Characters in animated shows frequently use trilling sounds to express happiness, making them relatable to young audiences.
- Musical artists sometimes use trills in their vocal performances to emphasize emotional moments in songs.
Origin of 'trilled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'trill' comes from the Italian word 'trillo', which means a high and rapid sound.
- It originally referred to the quick vibrations made by certain musical instruments and later was used for vocal sounds.
- The term became popular in the 19th century as music and singing styles evolved.
The word 'trill' originates from the mid-16th century, derived from the Italian word 'trillo', which translates to 'a roll' or 'a trill'. It is closely related to the Latin word 'tremulus', meaning 'trembling' or 'quivering'. The term originally described a style of singing or instrument playing characterized by the rapid alternation between notes or sounds, creating a tremulous effect. Over time, the usage of 'trill' expanded to include various forms of expressive sound production, including bird calls and human vocalizations. The word has maintained its core association with rapid, repeating sounds, reflecting the joyful or lively nature of the actions it describes.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #33,659 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 33656 defrosting
- 33657 simpering
- 33658 polychaete
- 33659 trilled
- 33660 crotchet
- 33661 straggle
- 33662 shovelling
- ...