riffle
/'rifl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A method of shuffling playing cards: A riffle involves splitting a deck into two halves and interleaving the cards by releasing them from the thumbs so they mix together.
- A small wave or ripple on the surface of a liquid: A riffle is a light disturbance on water, often caused by wind or a gentle current.
Verb:
- To shuffle cards using the riffle method: To mix playing cards by dividing the deck and interweaving the two halves.
- To create or form small waves or ripples: To stir water lightly, causing a rippled surface.
- To browse or look through something quickly: To turn over pages, papers, or similar materials in a rapid, casual manner to get a general impression.
- To flutter or flip lightly and quickly: To move or cause something to move with a light, quick motion.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The dealer gave the cards a quick riffle before dealing.
- A gentle breeze created riffles on the surface of the pond.
Verb:
- Please riffle the deck thoroughly before we start the game.
- The wind riffled the calm surface of the lake.
- She riffled through the magazine while waiting for her appointment.
- The pages riffled in the wind.
Advanced Usage
- "to riffle through": This phrasal verb is commonly used to mean browsing quickly through papers, a book, or a stack of items.
- He riffled through the files on his desk, looking for the contract.
Variants and Related Words
- Riffler (n): A tool, such as a small file, used in carving or sculpting. (Note: This is a distinct, homographic word with a different etymology and meaning related to tools, not directly derived from the verb 'riffle').
- Ripple (n/v): A small wave or series of waves; to form or flow with small waves. This is a close synonym for the noun and verb forms related to water.
Synonyms
- Shuffle (v): To mix cards, especially in preparation for a game.
- Browse (v): To look through or glance at something casually.
- Flip (v): To move or turn something with a quick, light motion.
- Ripple (n/v): A small wave; to form small waves.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Riffle through: To look through something quickly by turning over pages or items.
- I saw him riffle through the documents on the table.
Related Idioms
Noun
- shuffling by splitting the pack and interweaving the two halves at their corners
- a small wave on the surface of a liquid
Verb
- shuffle (playing cards) by separating the deck into two parts and riffling with the thumbs so the cards intermix
- stir up (water) so as to form ripples
- look through a book or other written material
- He thumbed through the report
- She leafed through the volume
- twitch or flutter
- the paper flicked