flutter
Translation
to flutter, to flap, to flicker
Examples
The butterfly fluttered its wings.
The butterfly fluttered its wings.
Flags fluttered in the breeze.
Flags fluttered in the breeze.
My heart fluttered with excitement.
My heart fluttered with excitement.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to move with a light, irregular motion The leaves fluttered to the ground.
((one's heart)) to beat quickly and irregularly My heart fluttered with excitement.
Similar Words
Synonyms: flap, flicker, quiver, tremble
Etymology
From Old English 'floterian', meaning 'to float about'. It is an onomatopoeic word, imitating the sound of light, quick movements.
Memory Tips
The word 'flutter' sounds like the light, quick movement it describes, like a 'butter'fly's wings.