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lilt

(lĭlt)

1. A cheerful or lively manner of speaking, in which the pitch of the voice varies pleasantly.

2. A light, happy tune or song.

3. A light or resilient manner of moving or walking.

v. lilt·ed, lilt·ing, lilts

v.tr.

To say, sing, or play (something) in a cheerful, rhythmic manner.

v.intr.

To speak, sing, or play with liveliness or rhythm.

[From Middle English lulten, lilten, to sound an alarm.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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