| English Dictionary |
ASTIR
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
Dictionary entry overview: What does astir mean?
• ASTIR (adjective)
The adjective ASTIR has 2 senses:
1. out of bed
2. on the move
Familiarity information: ASTIR used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Out of bed
Synonyms:
astir; up
Context example:
up by seven each morning
Similar:
awake (not in a state of sleep; completely conscious)
Sense 2
Meaning:
On the move
Synonyms:
about; astir
Context example:
the whole town was astir over the incident
Similar:
active (characterized by energetic activity)
Context examples
We were all astir betimes in the morning; and while we were yet at breakfast, Mr. Barkis appeared in the distance, driving a chaise-cart towards the object of his affections.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my voice in my anger.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
At earliest dawn our camp was astir and an hour later we had started upon our memorable expedition.
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Very early the next morning I heard him up and astir, wandering from one room to another.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
The Company, who had passed the night in a sheltered gully, were already astir, some crowding round the blazing fires and others romping or leaping over each other's backs for their limbs were chilled and the air biting.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
My faculties, roused by the change of scene, the new field offered to hope, seemed all astir.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
No need to cower behind a gate-post, indeed!—to peep up at chamber lattices, fearing life was astir behind them!
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
With little Adele in my arms, I watched the slumber of childhood—so tranquil, so passionless, so innocent—and waited for the coming day: all my life was awake and astir in my frame: and as soon as the sun rose I rose too.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"A people without a history is like the wind over buffalo grass." (Native American proverb, Sioux)
"The stingy has a big porch and little morality." (Arabic proverb)
"All too good is neighbours fool." (Dutch proverb)