noun

fillip

FIL-ip

Fillip (noun) means something that gives a sudden boost, lift or stimulus to an activity, mood or market. Example: “The tax cut gave a welcome fillip to consumer spending.”

noun

Something that gives a sudden boost, lift or stimulus to an activity, mood or market.

"The tax cut gave a welcome fillip to consumer spending."

"Winning the away leg was just the fillip the squad needed."

dated A quick flick made by pressing a finger against the thumb and releasing it sharply.

"He gave the cork a fillip and sent it skidding across the table."

verb

formal To strike or propel something with a quick flick of the finger, or to stimulate something into greater activity.

"She filliped a crumb off her sleeve."

How to use fillip

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA little push that makes something go better.

When to use it

Chiefly journalistic and slightly formal; most common in British business and sports writing in the phrase "give a fillip to".

Memory tip

It is spelt with two l's and one p — not "Philip" and not "fillup".

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

Philip → filet flip →

Common pairings

give a fillip to a welcome fillip a much-needed fillip a fillip for the economy

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The tax cut gave a welcome _____ to consumer spending.

Etymology

Late Middle English, probably imitative of the sound of a finger being flicked from the thumb.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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boost stimulus spur lift impetus flick flip stimulate

Antonyms

setback damper

Related words

further higher picture film movie increase carry click

Rhymes for fillip

Phillip

See all rhymes for fillip →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a fillip and a boost?

They mean much the same thing, but fillip is rarer, more formal and suggests a modest, well-timed lift rather than a large one. You would say a share price got a fillip from good news, but a rocket gets a boost.

Is fillip related to the name Philip?

No. The name Philip comes from Greek and means lover of horses, whereas fillip is an English word that probably imitates the snapping sound of a flicked finger. The similarity is coincidental.

What is the meaning of fillip?

"fillip" (noun) means something that gives a sudden boost, lift or stimulus to an activity, mood or market.

What is another word for fillip?

Other words for "fillip" include boost, stimulus, spur, lift, impetus, flick.

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