stilted
What does "stilted" mean?
Stilted describes speech, writing, or behavior that feels stiff, unnatural, or overly formal. Imagine a puppet whose movements are jerky and restricted; when someone is "stilted," they lack the fluid, organic rhythm of genuine human interaction, often because they are trying too hard to sound professional or sophisticated. You will typically encounter this word when critiquing a piece of writing or a person’s social performance. It is almost always used negatively to suggest that the person is being awkward, wooden, or lacking in spontaneity. It often appears in contexts like "stilted conversation" or "stilted dialogue" in a novel.
"stilted" in conversation
Awkward first date
So, tell me, what is your professional objective for the upcoming fiscal year?
So, tell me, what is your professional objective for the upcoming fiscal year?
That’s a bit stilted, don't you think? Let’s just talk about music.
That’s a bit stilted, don't you think? Let’s just talk about music.
Used to point out when someone is being overly formal and killing the mood.
Critiquing a presentation
The speech was factually correct, but the delivery felt very stilted.
The speech was factually correct, but the delivery felt very stilted.
I agree. I think I was too nervous to speak naturally.
I agree. I think I was too nervous to speak naturally.
Refers to a lack of flow or warmth in a public speaking context.
"stilted" in a sentence
The actor's delivery was stilted and lacked emotion.
The actor's delivery was stilted and lacked emotion.
Their conversation remained stilted throughout the formal dinner party.
Their conversation remained stilted throughout the formal dinner party.
Despite the author's extensive vocabulary, the narrative was marred by stilted prose that prevented the reader from connecting with the characters.
Despite the author's extensive vocabulary, the narrative was marred by stilted prose that prevented the reader from connecting with the characters.
