a-flutter
1
8.9
- 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
51
2.1
Not steady and trembling, often from fear, cold, or tiredness
43
7.0
Feeling nervous and confused after a sudden, unexpected event
25
4.5
Feeling nervous and unable to stay still
13
4.6
Feeling nervous and unable to stay still
9
4.8
Unable to stay still because you feel nervous
5
8.6
Feeling very nervous and confused about something
2
8.9
Feeling excited and nervous while waiting for something
2
4.9
Feeling nervous and excited with a quick, shaky feeling in the body
2
9.9
Shaking slightly, often because of excitement or strong feeling
1
4.7
Full of lively energy because people feel excited
1
7.4
Feeling nervous and hurried after something sudden happens
1
9.5
In a state of rapid activity and excitement
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.