/astir-meaning

/astir-meaning-etymology

-) Adjective.

-) Pronunciation and accent: əstɜː(r). 

-) Etymology: it is analysed into “a” (prep.) + “stir” (noun).

-) It is dated from 1800.

-) Meaning: -) 1. Stirring; in a state of manifest activity.

-) Found mainly in old-fashioned literature.

-) Synonyms: active, moving.

-) Antonyms: quiet, resting, motionless.

-) Translation: actif, in French; activo, in Spanish; attivo, in Italian.

All was astir in an instant. Robin Hood and his merry men, with the morris-dancers, rushed out of their bowers, and the whole churchyard was in agitation.

W. Ainsworth… The Lancashire Witches 1848

In the camp all was quiet—indeed, a stillness unusual and portentous seemed resting upon it. No sports were in progress, no one was astir.

J. Orton… Camp Fires… 1855

He rose, took his shoes in his hand, turned the key in the door with great caution, and crept downstairs. Nothing was astir there but the smell of coffee, wine, tobacco, and syrups.

Dickens… Little Dorrit… 1857

Virginia, Maryland, and the Carolinas were astir with warlike preparations.

W. Hunt… History of England… 1905

-) 2. In particular: (of someone after his night rest) out of bed, up.

-) Found mainly in old-fashioned literature.

-) Antonyms: abed, asleep.

… by daylight we were astir, and preparing for our expedition.

W. Thomes… The gold hunters’ adventures… 1890

Alan was astir early next morning. He made his toilet with unusual thought and care for his personal appearance.

E. Cox… Out of the Silence… 1919