titter
titter — verb
- titterpresent simple I / you / we / they
- titters3rd person singular
- tittering-ing form
- titteredpast simple
1. to make a short, quiet laugh because you feel awkward, embarrassed, or think som
to make a short, quiet laugh because you feel awkward, embarrassed, or think something is secretly funny
When the teacher slipped on the wet floor, a few students tittered nervously.
collocation: titter nervously
Adina tried to hide her laughter, but she tittered into her hand when Bao told a silly joke.
titter + preposition into/behind
The audience tittered awkwardly when the comedian's joke fell flat.
Heloísa tittered nervously when the boss walked in while she was checking her phone.
The class tittered at the principal's unintentional rhyme during morning assembly.
- guffaw
a loud, unrestrained laugh — the opposite in volume and control
文法句型
titter (at/about something)
titter + adverb
用法筆記
Intransitive only — cannot take a direct object. Commonly paired with adverbs like 'nervously' or 'awkwardly' that describe the manner of the laugh. The sound is shorter and more restrained than a full laugh or giggle.
常見錯誤
titter — noun
- tittersingular
- tittersplural
1. a short, quiet laugh that shows embarrassment, nervousness, or a feeling that so
a short, quiet laugh that shows embarrassment, nervousness, or a feeling that something is secretly amusing
A titter ran through the classroom when the new student accidentally called the teacher 'Mum'.
pattern: a titter ran through [group]
There was a nervous titter from the staff as the manager announced unpaid leave.
collocation: nervous titter
Niran's titter was barely audible, but Dahlia heard it and smiled.
The announcement drew a brief titter before the room fell silent again.
Ritu's unexpected remark drew a titter from the group around the table.
文法句型
a titter (of laughter/nervousness)
a titter runs through [group]
用法筆記
Usually singular — 'a titter'. Frequently appears in expressions like 'a titter ran through the room' or 'drew a titter from the crowd'. The countable form suggests a single brief burst of suppressed laughter, not ongoing laughter.