stilted
Americanadjective
-
stiffly dignified or formal, as speech or literary style; pompous.
- Synonyms:
- constrained, stuffy, mannered, wooden
-
Architecture. (of an arch) resting on imposts treated in part as downward continuations of the arch.
adjective
-
(of speech, writing, etc) formal, pompous, or bombastic
-
not flowing continuously or naturally
stilted conversation
-
architect (of an arch) having vertical piers between the impost and the springing
Other Word Forms
- stiltedly adverb
- stiltedness noun
- unstilted adjective
Etymology
Origin of stilted
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There’s a stilted quality to the conversation as they discuss their eccentric, inscrutable dad.
From Los Angeles Times
Too stilted in phrasing to our modern poll-tested ears, it was nevertheless, as she said in the video of her retirement announcement, “prophetic.”
From Salon
He heads for his dressing room, where his parents are waiting for him, and then there’s a stilted and awkward scene with his father.
From Salon
She wisely knows that her relationship to her mother’s legacy and memory is too stilted, and thus, she begins by sitting her siblings down to have candid talks with those who knew Mansfield better.
From Salon
But just down the 5 Freeway in Anaheim, the home of Disney, the hottest ticket in baseball this weekend belongs to a stilted pitcher, juggling infielders and a yellow-suited, top hat-wearing carnival barker.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
