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Thread: usage of "stilted"

  1. #1
    Bennevis's Avatar
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    Default usage of "stilted"

    I wonder whether "(e.g. This phrase or sentence) sounds stilted" means "sounds awkward". Does "stilted" mean something else, like too pompous, stiff, formal?

    What are some of the words that describe something that doesn't sound natural?
    I mean something like "clunky". Can you say "It sounds tongue-tied"?

    Thank you.

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    Default Re: usage of "stilted"

    *** NOT A TEACHER ***


    Quote Originally Posted by Bennevis View Post
    Does "stilted" mean something else, like too pompous, stiff, formal?
    As far as I'm concerned, it means 'artificially formal'.
    Might I be so bold as to anticipate an affirmative response from a native English speaker to the question of mine whether I am right with my answer to this outstanding question? (I think it was rather stilted. )
    Barb_D, 5jj and Bennevis like this.

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    Afit is offline Member
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    Default Re: usage of "stilted"

    Quote Originally Posted by Bennevis View Post
    I wonder whether "(e.g. This phrase or sentence) sounds stilted" means "sounds awkward". Does "stilted" mean something else, like too pompous, stiff, formal?

    What are some of the words that describe something that doesn't sound natural?
    I mean something like "clunky". Can you say "It sounds tongue-tied"?

    Thank you.
    stilted = phony, pretentious, artificially formal, ostentatiously lofty
    Tongue-tied is no good.
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    Default Re: usage of "stilted"

    2. not flowing continuously or naturally

    stilted conversation

    His delivery was stilted and occasionally stumbling.

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    Default Re: usage of "stilted"

    Quote Originally Posted by Bennevis View Post
    2. not flowing continuously or naturally

    stilted conversation

    His delivery was stilted and occasionally stumbling.
    I would use "stilted" in this manner, not about being pompous.
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    Tdol is offline Editor, UsingEnglish.com
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    Default Re: usage of "stilted"

    To me, it lacks the natural flow of language- it's clumsy, artificial in some way- it doesn't have to be pompous IMO.
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