astir
UK[əˈstɜː(r)]US[əˈstɜːr]
adj
in a state of excited movement or activity
adj
out of bed and moving about
Morpheme Breakdown
a
stir
a
prefix
stir
root
Etymology
the word 'astir' is a native english formation, combining the old english prefix 'a-' with the verb 'stir'. the prefix 'a-' (from old english 'an', 'on') was commonly used to create adjectives from verbs, indicating a state or condition. the root 'stir' originates from old english 'styrian', meaning to move, agitate, or rouse. therefore, the literal construction 'in a state of stirring' evolved to describe the modern abstract meanings of being actively in motion, bustling with activity, or having risen from sleep.
Analysis
Structure: a (prefix) + stir (root)
a- (Old English, a prefix forming predicative adjectives from verbs, meaning 'in the act or state of'); stir (Old English, meaning 'to move, to agitate').
Examples
the house was astir with preparations for the party.
she was astir before dawn to begin her journey.
the news set the whole town astir.