usage of "stilted"

[White Hat]

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.

 

[~Mav~]

*** NOT A TEACHER ***

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? ;-) :mrgreen: (I think it was rather stilted. )

 

[Afit]

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.

 

[White Hat]

2. not flowing continuously or naturally

stilted conversation

His delivery was stilted and occasionally stumbling.

 

[SoothingDave]

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.

 

[Tdol]

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