a-flutter
- adjective
- Literature
- He noticed a a-flutter of nerves as he waited for the results.
- a flutter in her heart
- felt a flutter
- a flutter in my chest
Examples
-
A flutter went through Mason's stomach, rose to push against his heart.
Fiction book (1998) -
But inside my chest, I felt a flutter, like a trapped bird was beating its wings.
Fiction book (1990) -
In the oldest corner of her being, Paula felt a flutter of panic.
Fiction book (1998) -
Don't get yourself a-flutter, there's no need for alarm.
-
The voice had in it an edge of age and resignation, yet a flutter of stifled anticipation.
Fiction book (1990) -
- I'm all a-flutter.
-
"In a flutter of nervousness, I identified my trunk, threw my arms about Miss Emerson (my sweet companion for the trip down), and bid her a tearful farewell.
Fiction book (1997) -
Every time I see him, my heart feels a-flutter with excitement.
-
She was a-flutter with anticipation before her big presentation.
Synonyms
Not steady and trembling, often from fear, cold, or tiredness
Feeling nervous and unable to stay still
Feeling nervous and unable to stay still
Unable to stay still because you feel nervous
Feeling very nervous and confused about something
Feeling nervous and excited with a quick, shaky feeling in the body
Feeling excited and nervous while waiting for something
Feeling nervous and confused after a sudden, unexpected event
Shaking slightly, often because of excitement or strong feeling
In a state of rapid activity and excitement
Full of lively energy because people feel excited
Feeling nervous and hurried after something sudden happens
Antonyms
How Excited
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word a-flutter comes from the old English prefix a- meaning 'in' and the verb flutter, which is a quick, light movement like a bird's wings or a butterfly in your stomach. So being a-flutter is being 'in' that quick, nervous movement, meaning you feel excited or nervous.