Definition

1. Noun:

   • A jaunty, light, and rhythmic quality in music or speech: A pleasant, rising and falling pattern of sound that is often cheerful and musical.
   • A characteristic rhythm or cadence: A distinctive, often graceful, rhythmic flow.

2. Verb:

   • To speak, sing, or move with a light, rhythmic quality: To articulate or perform with a cheerful, swinging rhythm.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The song had a cheerful lilt that made everyone want to dance.
  • She spoke with a gentle Irish lilt in her voice.

• Verb:

  • The poet lilted the verses, giving them a musical quality.
  • Her voice lilted happily as she told the story.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a lilt in one's step": To walk with a cheerful, springy, or rhythmic bounce.
  • After hearing the good news, he walked with a lilt in his step.

Variants and Related Words

• Lilting (adj): Having a pleasant, rising and falling rhythmic sound.
  • We listened to her lilting laughter.

Synonyms

• Cadence: The rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words.
• Swing: A steady, vigorous rhythm or momentum.
• Intonation: The rise and fall of the voice in speaking.

Related Phrases

• A lilt to the voice: A characteristic pleasant, rhythmic quality in someone's speech.
  • You could hear the Scottish lilt to his voice even after years abroad.

Noun

1. a jaunty rhythm in music

Verb

1. articulate in a very careful and rhythmic way