Antonyms for butterflies

Grammar : Adj, noun, verb

Spell : buht-er-flahy

Phonetic Transcription : ˈbʌt ərˌflaɪ

Definition of butterflies

Origin : Old English buttorfleoge, evidently butter (n.) + fly (n.), but of obscure signification. Perhaps based on the old notion that the insects (or witches disguised as butterflies) consume butter or milk that is left uncovered. Or, less creatively, simply because the pale yellow color of many species' wings suggests the color of butter. Another theory connects it to the color of the insect's excrement, based on Dutch cognate boterschijte. An overview of words for "butterfly" in various languages can be found here. Also see papillon.
Applied to persons from c.1600, originally in reference to vain and gaudy attire; by 1806 in reference to transformation from early lowly state; in reference to flitting tendencies by 1873. The swimming stroke so called from 1936. Butterflies "light stomach spasms caused by anxiety" is from 1908.
The butterfly effect is a deceptively simple insight extracted from a complex modern field. As a low-profile assistant professor in MIT's department of meteorology in 1961, [Edward] Lorenz created an early computer program to simulate weather. One day he changed one of a dozen numbers representing atmospheric conditions, from .506127 to .506. That tiny alteration utterly transformed his long-term forecast, a point Lorenz amplified in his 1972 paper, "Predictability: Does the Flap of a Butterfly's Wings in Brazil Set Off a Tornado in Texas?" [Peter Dizikes, "The Meaning of the Butterfly," The Boston Globe, June 8, 2008]

As in apprehensive : adj anxious, fearful
As in frightened : adj very scared
As in anxious : adj worried, tense
As in insect : noun bug
As in kiss : noun touching lips to another
As in nervousness : noun anxious state
As in trepidation : noun anxiety, worry
As in lady : noun woman
As in stage fright : noun fear of performing onstage
As in caterpillar : noun worm
As in jitters : noun nervous restlessness
As in osculation : noun kiss
As in smacker : noun kiss
As in unease : noun anxiety
As in anxiety : noun worry, tension
As in kiss : verb touch one's lips to another's
As in smooch : verb kiss

Example sentences :

Suddenly the noise and motion cease, and the butterflies drop dead.
Extract from : « The Uncommercial Traveller » by Charles Dickens

All my sorrows were at once dispersed like a cloud of butterflies.
Extract from : « My Double Life » by Sarah Bernhardt

The dew in the meadows and the pearls on the wings of butterflies began to glisten.
Extract from : « The Great Hunger » by Johan Bojer

I have frequently tried the experiment with flies and butterflies.
Extract from : « Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air » by Joseph Priestley

This was also the case in general with spiders, flies, and butterflies.
Extract from : « Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air » by Joseph Priestley

These butterflies knew well that it was only a gleam of sunshine, not a summer.
Extract from : « Gerald Fitzgerald » by Charles James Lever

I used to run all about, chase the butterflies and everything else that came in my way.
Extract from : « Harper's Young People, October 5, 1880 » by Various

They are as gay as butterflies in their dress, but their looks are very solemn.
Extract from : « The Soul of a People » by H. Fielding

And did you know that butterflies could sing like little birds?
Extract from : « Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 158, April 14, 1920 » by Various

"Aw, Ma, I want to stay up with my butterflies," the boy pleaded.
Extract from : « The Best Short Stories of 1920 » by Various

Synonyms for butterflies

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019