Aflutter

/əˈflʌtər/ adjective

Definition

In a fluttering state; trembling, waving, or moving with quick irregular motions.

Etymology

From 'a-' (in the state of) + 'flutter,' where 'flutter' comes from Old English 'floterian,' of imitative origin describing rapid light movements.

Kelly Says

The phrase 'all aflutter' survives in modern English to describe excitement—it's one of the last common uses of this 'a-' prefix that was once used for hundreds of words in Middle English.

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