Definition

1. Adjective:
   • In a state of nervous excitement or agitation: Describes a feeling of being emotionally stirred, often with anticipation, anxiety, or eagerness.
   • Fluttering: In a literal sense, describes something that is flapping or moving with quick, light motions, like a flag or wings.

Usage

• The adjective "aflutter" is typically used after a linking verb like "be," "feel," or "seem." It often describes a person's emotional state but can also describe objects.
• It is a somewhat literary or descriptive word, adding a vivid, slightly old-fashioned tone.

Examples

• Describing emotional state:
  • Her heart was aflutter with excitement before the performance.
  • The whole town was aflutter with rumors about the royal visit.
• Describing physical motion:
  • The flags were aflutter in the strong breeze.
  • The bird's wings were aflutter as it tried to take off.

Advanced Usage

• "all aflutter": An intensified phrase meaning very excited or agitated.
  • She was all aflutter when she received the surprise invitation.
• Used to set a scene or mood, often in narrative writing.
  • The news left the entire office aflutter with speculation.

Variants and Related Words

• Flutter (verb/noun): To move with quick, light, irregular motions; a state of nervous excitement.
  • The leaves flutter in the wind. (verb)
  • She felt a flutter of anxiety. (noun)
• Afluttered (adjective, less common): An alternative past participle form, meaning the same as "aflutter."

Synonyms

• Agitated: Troubled emotionally.
• Atwitter: In a state of nervous excitement (very similar in meaning and usage).
• Excited: Very enthusiastic and eager.
• Flustered: Confused and nervous.

Antonyms

• Calm: Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.
• Composed: Having one's feelings and expression under control.
• Placid: Not easily upset or excited.

Idioms and Phrases

• To set/send hearts aflutter: To cause people to become excited, especially with romantic anticipation.
  • The handsome new actor set hearts aflutter wherever he went.
• To be in a flutter/aflutter: To be in a state of nervous excitement.
  • The students were in a flutter before the exam results were posted.

Adjective

1. excited in anticipation