The word "rattling" is spelled with two syllables, /ˈræt.lɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound, as in "rat". The double consonant "tt" after the first syllable makes the second syllable stressed and pronounced with a clear "t" sound. The second syllable ends with the "ɪŋ" sound, pronounced like the "ing" in "sing". "Rattling" is often used as an adjective meaning something that makes a noise or shakes.
Rattling, as an adjective, is defined as producing a series of sharp, quick, and repetitive sounds. It can describe a loud and continuous noise that is created when objects collide against each other or when something is shaken vigorously, causing a shaking or clattering sound. For example, a rattling noise might be produced by a loose window frame, a car with a faulty engine, or a train moving along its tracks.
Additionally, "rattling" can also pertain to something that is causing excessive concern, agitation, or nervousness. It is often used to describe a feeling of intense vibration or trembling. For instance, a person may feel rattling nerves before a challenging exam or an important presentation. In this context, "rattling" emphasizes the uneasiness or discomfort experienced due to a stressful situation.
Furthermore, "rattling" can be used as an adverb, meaning extremely or very. It serves as an intensifier that amplifies the degree or extent of an action or quality. For instance, one might use the phrase "rattling cold" to describe extremely cold weather or say they are "rattling hungry" to emphasize their extreme hunger.
In summary, "rattling" can describe a series of sharp and repetitive sounds, experiences of nervousness or agitation, or serve as an intensifier to emphasize the extremity of a quality or state.
• Sounding as a rattle.
• Noise produced by a quick succession of small sounds not musical, as the wheels of a carriage over a causeway.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "rattling" is derived from the verb "rattle", which dates back to the late 14th century. "Rattle" initially meant to make a rapid series of sharp, clattering sounds, often associated with the shaking or vibrating movement of objects. The term comes from the Middle Dutch word "ratelen", which has the same meaning and is likely a formation influenced by or related to the Old Norse word "raðr", meaning "swift" or "quick". Over time, the verb "rattle" expanded to include various related meanings, such as the sound of talking quickly and loudly or the trembling or shivering movement of certain objects. The adjective "rattling" emerged as a form derived from the verb "rattle" to describe anything that produces a rattling sound or imparts a sense of quickness, velocity, or intensity.