aflutter
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- excited in anticipation