lilt
|lilt|
B2
/lɪlt/
rhythmic accent
Etymology
Etymology Information
'lilt' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'lulten,' where 'lulten' meant 'to sound joyfully.'
Historical Evolution
'lulten' transformed into the modern English word 'lilt' through gradual phonetic changes.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to sound joyfully,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a pleasant gentle accent or rhythm.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a characteristic rising and falling of the voice when speaking; a pleasant gentle accent.
She spoke with a charming Irish lilt.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45