flit
UK[flɪt]US[flɪt]
v
to move lightly and quickly from one place or thing to another
v
(of a feeling or thought) to pass quickly through someone's mind or across their face
Etymology
the word 'flit' entered middle english from old norse 'flytja', meaning to carry or convey. it is cognate with the old english 'flittan', which had a more specific meaning of disputing or quarreling, suggesting a sense of moving back and forth in argument. the modern sense of moving lightly and swiftly developed from this core idea of rapid, often purposive, motion. its journey reflects a semantic narrowing from the general concept of conveyance to the specific, delicate, and quick movement we associate with birds, butterflies, or fleeting thoughts today.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is a scandinavian loanword, related to old norse 'flytja' (to carry, convey) and old english 'flittan' (to dispute, quarrel). its core sense relates to quick, light movement.
Examples
the hummingbird would flit from one flower to the next.
a smile flitted across her face before she regained her composure.
he has a tendency to flit between different hobbies without mastering any.