kilter

/'kiltə/

Thân thiện

The picture frame hangs out of kilter on the wall.

Definition

Noun: 1. Proper working order or condition; a state of good adjustment or alignment. This refers to something being in its correct, functional, or balanced state. 2. A state of good health or spirits. (Less common, often figurative).

Usage

The word "kilter" is almost exclusively used in the phrases "out of kilter" and "in kilter" (or less commonly, "in good kilter"). It describes the state of order, balance, or proper function of a system, object, or situation.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to throw something out of kilter": To cause something to become disordered, unbalanced, or dysfunctional.
  • The sudden market crash threw the company's financial projections out of kilter.

Variants and Related Words

• Alignment (n): The state of being arranged in a correct or appropriate line or position.
• Order (n): The arrangement or disposition of things in relation to each other.
• Balance (n): A state of equilibrium or equal distribution.

Synonyms

• Order
• Alignment
• Balance
• Trim (as in "in good trim")

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Out of kilter: Not in proper working order; unbalanced, disordered, or dysfunctional.
  • The political scandal left the entire administration out of kilter.
• In (good) kilter: In proper working order; balanced, aligned, or functional.
  • With regular maintenance, we can keep the equipment in good kilter.

Học thuật

Noun

1. in working order
   • out of kilter
   • in good kilter

Từ đồng nghĩa

• kelter