flit etymology

Etymology of "flit"

  • Middle English flitten, from Old English fleotan, "to move, float"

Meaning of "flit"

  • to move from one place to another, especially quickly or secretly
  • to move quickly or erratically
  • to move about restlessly

Origin of "flit"

The word "flit" is derived from the Old English word "fleotan," which means "to move, float." The word "fleotan" is related to the Dutch word "vlieten," the German word "fließen," and the Sanskrit word "plu." All of these words share a common root meaning "to flow."

The word "flit" has been used in English since the 13th century. In the early days, it was used primarily to describe the movement of water or other liquids. However, by the 16th century, it had begun to be used to describe the movement of people and animals as well.

Today, the word "flit" is most commonly used to describe the movement of people from one place to another. It can be used to describe both temporary and permanent moves. For example, someone might say that they are "flitting" from their apartment to a new house or that they are "flitting" from one city to another.

The word "flit" can also be used to describe the movement of animals. For example, birds might be said to be "flitting" from tree to tree or butterflies might be said to be "flitting" from flower to flower.

In addition to its literal meaning, the word "flit" can also be used figuratively to describe the quick or erratic movement of something. For example, someone might say that their thoughts are "flitting" from one thing to another or that their attention is "flitting" all over the place.

flit relate terms

  • flip

    Etymology The word flip is derived from Old English fleopan meaning to move quick

  • flit

    Etymology of flit Middle English flitten from Old English fleotan to move float

  • flitter

    Etymology The word flitter comes from the Middle Dutch word vlieden meaning to fle

  • flit

    Etymology of flit Middle English flitten from Old English fleotan to move float

  • flutter

    Etymology The word flutter is derived from the Old English word floteren which mean

  • fleet

    Etymology The word fleet has its origins in the Old English word fleotan meaning t

  • dart

    Etymology Old English dart Vulgar Latin dartus a javelin Proto Celtic dart o

  • flash

    Etymology Flash From the Middle English flashen meaning to move quickly with a sud

  • motion

    Etymology The word motion comes from the Latin word motus which means movement or

  • butterfly

    Etymology The word butterfly is derived from the Old English word buttorfleoge whic

  • speed

    Etymology Speed comes from the Old English word spēd which means success prosper

  • movement

    Etymology origin of the word movement Latin movere movere Proto Indo European m

  • move

    Etymology The word move is derived from the Middle English muven which in turn came

  • hurry

    Etymology Middle English hurie huryen Old English hīrīgan to hasten hurry Proto