Word: Titter
Part of Speech: - Noun - Verb
Basic Definition: 1. As a noun: A titter is a quiet, nervous laugh. It often happens when someone is embarrassed or trying to hold back laughter. 2. As a verb: To titter means to laugh quietly or nervously.
Usage Instructions: - You can use "titter" when you want to describe a soft, sometimes embarrassed laugh. It’s often used in situations where something is funny but not appropriate to laugh loudly about.
Example Sentences: - Noun: The class erupted into titters when the teacher made a funny mistake. - Verb: The girls tittered when the rock star came into the classroom.
Advanced Usage: - "Titter" can be used in more formal or literary contexts, often to describe a reaction that includes both amusement and a sense of restraint or awkwardness.
Word Variants: - Tittered (verb, past tense): She tittered at the unexpected joke. - Tittering (verb, present participle): They were tittering during the performance.
Different Meaning: - While "titter" primarily refers to a nervous laugh, it can sometimes imply a sense of mockery, especially when it is used in a context where someone is laughing at someone else's expense.
Synonyms: - Giggle - Chuckle - Snicker - Chortle
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include the word "titter," but it can be part of phrases that involve laughter, such as "burst into titters" or "stifle a titter."
In Summary: "Titter" is a word used to describe a soft, nervous laugh. It's commonly used in situations where something is funny, but the laughter is restrained or a bit awkward.