Fidgeted

Fidgeted (verb) refers to the act of making small movements, especially with the hands and feet, in a restless or nervous manner. This behavior often occurs when a person is anxious, bored, or unable to concentrate. Fidgeting may manifest as tapping fingers, shifting in a seat, or playing with objects. It is commonly seen in children but can also affect adults, often indicating impatience or discomfort in a given situation.

Fidgeted meaning with examples

• During the long meeting, Sarah fidgeted in her chair, shifting her weight from one leg to another as she struggled to keep her attention focused on the speaker. No matter how hard she tried to concentrate, her anxious energy kept bubbling up, causing her to tap her pen on the table incessantly. Her restless movements were a clear indication of her growing impatience as the minutes dragged on.
• As the teacher explained the complex math problem, Timmy fidgeted with the eraser on his pencil, his mind wandering far from the lessons at hand. He was more interested in the colorful stickers his classmates had on their notebooks than the equations on the board. With each passing second, his fingers danced more rapidly over the rubber, reflecting his disinterest and discomfort in the subject matter.
• Waiting for the doctor in the sterile examination room, Julia fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, her nerves getting the better of her. She glanced at the clock repeatedly, counting the minutes until her appointment. In a moment of impatience, she began to tap her foot rhythmically against the floor, trying to channel her anxieties into some form of movement as she waited for a medical professional to call her in.
• During the tense game of chess, Alex fidgeted with the pieces on the board, his fingers twitching with anticipation. Although he was confident in his strategy, the pressure of facing a skilled opponent made him restless. Every time his opponent pondered a move, Alex would instinctively tap his foot, exhibiting signs of anxiety and excitement as the match progressed, his mind racing through potential outcomes.