What is tilt? Pronunciation and usage in English

tilt means . Learn how to pronounce and use tilt through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of tilt

tiltverb

/tɪlt//tɪlt/

The word "tilt" is pronounced til-t (rhymes with "still").

Here's a breakdown:

  • til: Sounds like the word "still" - the "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "sit".
  • t: A brief, light "t" sound.

You can hear it pronounced here: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/tilt

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Usage and examples with the word tilt in English

The word "tilt" has several meanings in English, ranging from physical movement to figurative expressions. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Movement (Most Common Usage):

  • To lean or slant: This is the most frequent meaning.

    • Example: "The car started to tilt as we went over the bump." (Meaning it leaned to one side.)
    • Example: "He tilted his head to look at the picture." (Meaning he slanted his head.)
    • Example: "She tilted the table to reach the vase." (Meaning she leaned the table slightly.)

  • To lean something: Often used with objects.

    • Example: "He tilted the bottle to pour the wine."

2. Gambling & Games:

  • To wager a bet: In casinos and games of chance, "to tilt" means to bet more aggressively, often due to frustration or a losing streak. It’s a psychological state.
    • Example: "He kept tilting at the poker table, and eventually lost all his money."
    • Example: "Don’t tilt when you’re losing; it just makes things worse."

3. Figurative & Idiomatic Uses:

  • To be persuaded or influenced: (Often used with “to tilt someone towards”)

    • Example: "The speaker tilted her audience toward supporting the new policy." (Meaning she persuaded them.)
    • Example: “The evidence tilted the jury’s decision in his favor.” (Meaning it influenced them.)

  • To shift in opinion or allegiance: Similar to the above, but more about changing your stance.

    • Example: "As more information came to light, public opinion began to tilt in favor of the protesters."

  • To become unbalanced or upset (less common): This suggests a loss of composure.

    • Example: "The constant criticism started to tilt him, and he snapped at his colleagues.” (Meaning he became unreasonably angry or upset)

4. Specific Actions (Less Common):

  • To tilt a ship (nautical): To maneuver a ship by using its ballast to change its angle. (This is a more technical usage.)

Tips for Using “Tilt” Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "tilt" is heavily dependent on the context.
  • Be mindful of the gambling meaning: When discussing games or gambling, “tilt” has a very specific and important meaning.
  • Consider synonyms: Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, consider whether "lean," "slant," "influence," or "shift" might be more appropriate.

Resources for Further Exploration:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "tilt"? (e.g., are you describing a physical action, a gambling situation, or something else entirely?)

Synonyms for the word tilt

Idioms of the word tilt

tilt at windmills
to waste your energy attacking imaginary enemies

    Practice with vocabulary tilt

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. To minimize glare, the screen was adjusted to a slight _____ downwards.
    2. The company decided to _____ its marketing strategy to target a younger demographic.
    3. Analysts predict that the new trade agreements will _____ the economic advantage towards developing nations.
    4. Make sure to properly _____ the mirror on the wall before releasing your grip.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Which of the following actions describes moving an object into an angled or slanted position? a) to flatten b) to straighten c) to level d) to tilt e) to incline

    2. The project manager needed to _____ the team's focus to address the critical deadline. a) stabilize b) deflect c) redirect d) fixate

    3. If a photographer wants to capture a dramatic perspective of a tall building, they might _____ their camera upwards. a) level b) straighten c) balance d) tilt

    4. Which terms indicate that an object is not perfectly upright or horizontal, but is instead leaning or at an angle? a) horizontal b) perpendicular c) angled d) tilted e) vertical

    5. The engineer explained that the bridge's support beams must have a specific _____ to distribute weight evenly. a) elevation b) gradient c) level d) pitch

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The old cabinet was leaning slightly to one side, making it unstable.
    2. The judge's personal opinions often seemed to influence the outcome of the cases.
    3. Despite its peculiar angle, the ancient monument had stood for centuries.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. tilt
    2. shift (or redirect/realign)
    3. tilt
    4. prop (or position/rest)

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. d) to tilt, e) to incline
    2. c) redirect
    3. d) tilt
    4. c) angled, d) tilted
    5. b) gradient, d) pitch

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The old cabinet had a slight tilt to one side, making it unstable.
    2. The judge's personal opinions often seemed to tilt the outcome of the cases.
    3. Despite its peculiar slant (or lean/angle), the ancient monument had stood for centuries.

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