lilt

• Nom désignant un rythme ou une mélodie joyeux, vif ou entraînant, souvent dans la musique ou la parole.

A noun referring to a cheerful, lively, or jaunty rhythm or melody, often in music or speech.

1. Jaunty rhythm in musicB2formal

   A cheerful, lively, or swinging rhythm or melody in music.

   rythme allègre et dansant

   • The song had a pleasant lilt that made everyone tap their feet.
   • She sang with a gentle lilt in her voice.
   • The music's lilt reminded him of Irish folk tunes.

   Synonymesbeatbouncecadencerhythmswing

2. Upward inflection in speechB2formal

   A characteristic rising and falling pattern of the voice, often indicating a cheerful or musical quality.

   intonation chantante

   • Her voice had a soft lilt that made her stories more engaging.
   • He spoke with a slight Irish lilt.
   • The lilt in her speech made her sound very friendly.

   Synonymescadenceinflectionintonationmodulationpitchrhythmsingsongtone

• Parler, chanter ou résonner de manière vive, joyeuse ou rythmée, souvent avec des variations de hauteur et d'intonation.

A verb meaning to speak, sing, or sound in a lively, cheerful, or rhythmically flowing manner, often with a rising and falling pitch.

1. Speak or sing with a rhythmic, rising and falling pitchC1formal

   To articulate in a very careful and rhythmic way, often with a cheerful or musical quality.

   Parler ou chanter en cadence

   • She lilted her words as she told the children a bedtime story.
   • The poet lilted his verses, making them sound like a song.
   • He lilted the instructions in a gentle, melodic tone.

   Synonymescarolchantcroonintonesingtrillwarble