Stilted means something that sounds or feels unnatural, stiff, or awkward. It is often used to describe speech, writing, or behavior that does not feel smooth or relaxed.
People use stilted when words or actions seem too formal, forced, or not very natural. For example, a conversation can feel stilted if no one is speaking easily, or a person’s writing can sound stilted if it feels overly formal and unnatural.
Meaning & Usage
Stilted is usually a negative word. It suggests that something lacks ease or flow. You might hear it in everyday English when someone talks about a stilted conversation, a stilted performance, or stilted writing.
Examples
Their conversation felt stilted because neither person knew what to say.
Her speech sounded stilted and unnatural.
The dialogue in the movie was a little stilted.
What does stilted speech mean?
Stilted speech sounds unnatural, formal, or awkward, as if the person is not speaking freely.
Can writing be stilted?
Yes. Stilted writing feels forced, overly formal, or not smooth and natural.
Is stilted a positive word?
No, it is usually negative. It often means something feels awkward or unnatural.
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