flick

/flick/

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The word "flick" can be used as both a noun and a verb, and it has different meanings depending on the context. Let’s break it down.

Noun:

1. Definition: A "flick" can refer to a movie or film, which is a form of entertainment that tells a story through images and sound, creating the illusion of continuous movement.
   • Example: "They went to see a flick at the cinema last night."
2. Short Stroke: It can also mean a quick, light movement or hit.
   • Example: "He gave the paper a flick to get rid of the dust."

Verb:

1. Definition: As a verb, "flick" means to remove or touch something with a quick, light motion.
   • Example: "She flicked the dust off the table."
2. Other Uses:
   • To make a snapping sound, like when you snap your fingers.
   • To move something quickly, like tossing a piece of paper.
   • To cause something to move or flash intermittently.

Advanced Usage:

• In a more advanced context, "flick" can also refer to the action of quickly browsing through pages of a book or document.
  • Example: "He flicked through the magazine to find the article."

Word Variants:

• Flicker (noun/verb): Refers to a quick, unsteady movement or flashing light.
  • Example: "The candlelight flickered in the dark."
• Flicked (past tense of flick): Indicates that the action of flicking has already happened.
  • Example: "She flicked the switch to turn on the lights."

Different Meaning:

• "Flick" can also mean to "flicker," which describes a light that goes on and off quickly.
  • Example: "The screen flickered before the movie started."

Synonyms:

• For the noun "flick" (as a movie): film, movie, picture.
• For the verb "flick": tap, hit, snap, toss.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Flick through": To quickly look at the contents of a book or magazine.
  • Example: "I flicked through the newspaper to find the latest news."
• "Flick the switch": To turn something on or off with a quick motion.
  • Example: "Please flick the switch to turn on the lights."

Academic

Noun

1. a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement
   • they went to a movie every Saturday night
   • the film was shot on location
2. a short stroke
3. a light sharp contact (usually with something flexible)
   • he gave it a flick with his finger
   • he felt the flick of a whip

Verb

1. remove with a flick (of the hand)
2. touch or hit with a light, quick blow
   • flicked him with his hand
3. cause to make a snapping sound
   • snap your fingers
4. twitch or flutter
   • the paper flicked
5. shine unsteadily
   • The candle flickered
6. throw or toss with a quick motion
   • flick a piece of paper across the table
   • jerk his head
7. cause to move with a flick
   • he flicked his Bic
8. look through a book or other written material
   • He thumbed through the report
   • She leafed through the volume
9. flash intermittently
   • The lights flicked on and off

Synonyms

• snap
• click
• ruffle
• riffle
• flicker
• jerk
• flip
• thumb
• leaf
• riff