Twiddle: meaning, definitions and examples

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twiddle

 

[ หˆtwษชdษ™l ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

fingers

To twist, move, or fiddle with something, especially with one's fingers. It can also mean to play with or adjust something in a casual or aimless manner.

Synonyms

adjust, fiddle, play, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twiddle

Again, often used to describe trivial or idle movements, sometimes suggesting a lack of anything better to do.

  • She twiddled the radio knob trying to find a clear station
fiddle

Implies playing or dealing with something in a careless, uncertain, or nervous manner. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of focus.

  • He fiddled with his pen during the long lecture
twist

Implies turning something, especially to change its shape or position, often with force. This can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • He twisted the cap off the bottle
  • She twisted her ankle while running
adjust

Used for making small changes or corrections to something so that it works better or fits better. It is a precise action aimed at improvement.

  • He adjusted his tie in the mirror before the meeting
play

Used when someone is engaging with something in a lighthearted, carefree, or recreational manner. It is casual and usually for enjoyment.

  • The children played with their toys in the living room

Examples of usage

  • He twiddled his pen nervously during the meeting.
  • She twiddled with her hair while talking on the phone.
  • The child twiddled the knobs on the radio, trying to find a station.
Context #2 | Noun

music

A rapid series of short turns in a piece of music, especially on a stringed instrument.

Synonyms

flourish, ornament, trill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twiddle

Typically used to describe the action of playing or fiddling with something using your fingers, often out of boredom or nervousness. This word is informal.

  • He twiddled his thumbs while waiting for the meeting to start.
  • She twiddled the pen in her hand during the lecture.
ornament

Usually refers to decorative objects or embellishments that add beauty to something. This word is often used when talking about decorations, especially during holidays.

  • The Christmas tree was covered in ornaments.
  • She loves to ornament her home with vintage pieces.
trill

Describes a rapid, repetitive sound often made by birds or in musical contexts. It involves a quick alternation between two notes.

  • The canary's trill filled the room with a cheerful melody.
  • She performed a beautiful trill on the piano, showcasing her skill.
flourish

Used to indicate a grand, dramatic gesture or an impressive addition to something. Often associated with creative or artistic actions.

  • He signed the document with a flourish.
  • The magician ended his trick with a flourish, impressing the audience.

Examples of usage

  • The violinist performed a beautiful twiddle in the middle of the piece.
  • He added a twiddle to the end of the song for a dramatic finish.

Translations

Translations of the word "twiddle" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mexer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค˜เฅเคฎเคพเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช drehen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ memutar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบั€ัƒั‚ะธั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ krฤ™ciฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ„ใ˜ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tripoter

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ girar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dรถndรผrmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋Œ๋ฆฌ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุฏูˆุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ otรกฤet

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ otรกฤaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฝฌๅŠจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vrteti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ snรบa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะนะฝะฐะปะดั‹ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ แƒ˜แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dรถndษ™rmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ girar

Etymology

The word 'twiddle' originated in the late 16th century, with its root in the Middle Low German word 'twiddelen,' meaning 'to tremble.' Over time, it evolved to refer to a light, quick movement or adjustment. The verb form became associated with fiddling or playing with something, while the noun form found its place in music to describe a flourish or ornament. 'Twiddle' continues to be used in both contexts today, reflecting its long history of subtle movements and adjustments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,253, 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.