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Glistening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glistening

[ˈɡlɪsənɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sparkling

Shining with a sparkling light; glittering.

Synonyms

glittering, shiny, sparkling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glistening

Used when something is shining with a soft, wet look, often reflecting light. Commonly used for water, tears, or something moist.

  • The leaves were glistening after the rain
  • Her eyes were glistening with tears
sparkling

Used when something is shining with many small flashes of light, giving a lively and vibrant look. Often used for clean, clear things like water, eyes, or jewels.

  • The sparkling diamond caught everyone's eye
  • The water in the lake was sparkling in the sunlight
glittering

Used for something that shines with small, bright flashes of light or has a dazzling look. Often used for objects with many small shiny parts, like stars or sequins.

  • The night sky was filled with glittering stars
  • She wore a glittering dress to the party
shiny

Used for something that reflects light brightly and smoothly. It can describe anything from a polished surface to a new object.

  • He wore shiny new shoes
  • The car's hood was so shiny you could see your reflection

Examples of usage

  • The glistening dew on the grass looked magical in the morning sun.
  • Her glistening eyes were filled with tears of joy.
  • The glistening snow on the mountaintop sparkled in the sunlight.
Context #2 | Verb

wet

To shine with a sparkling light due to being wet.

Synonyms

gleaming, glinting, shining.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glistening

This word is commonly used to describe something that is wet and shining, often creating small sparkles. It's frequently associated with natural elements or surfaces covered with something like water or sweat.

  • The sun was glistening off the dew-covered grass
  • Her skin was glistening after the rigorous workout
shining

This word is a general term for any surface or light source that emits or reflects light in a strong or noticeable way. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from describing light sources to very clean surfaces.

  • The flashlight was shining brightly in the dark
  • Her kindness was shining through every act she did
gleaming

This word is typically used to describe a surface that is polished or clean and reflects light brilliantly. It often conveys a sense of newness or meticulous cleanliness.

  • The freshly polished car was gleaming in the driveway
  • He had a gleaming smile that lit up the room
glinting

This word is usually used when something reflects a small, quick flash or spark of light. It's often used to describe sharp or metallic objects that catch light intermittently.

  • I noticed a glinting object half-buried in the sand
  • Her eyes were glinting with excitement

Examples of usage

  • The leaves were glistening after the rain.
  • The glistening pavement reflected the streetlights at night.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Many animals, like fish and birds, glisten when their scales or feathers catch sunlight, which can help attract mates.
  • Dew on grass in the early morning provides a glistening effect, appearing like tiny jewels scattered on the ground.
  • Some minerals, like mica, have a shiny surface that causes them to sparkle and glisten under light.

Literature

  • Glistening imagery often symbolizes beauty and purity in poetry, where a glowing surface suggests something precious.
  • Writers use glistening descriptions to evoke emotions, as the brightness can represent hope or renewal.
  • In children’s literature, glistening characters often represent magical beings or objects, enhancing the story's enchantment.

Art

  • Artists use glistening effects in paintings by layering paints to reflect light, creating vibrant atmospheres.
  • In sculpture, materials like glass or polished stone are chosen to evoke a glistening appearance that draws viewers in.
  • Photography techniques often involve capturing glistening surfaces, such as water or dew, to create visually stunning images.

Psychology

  • Glistening objects may trigger positive emotions due to their association with beauty and perfection.
  • Studies suggest people are naturally drawn to shiny objects because they attract attention and evoke curiosity.
  • The appeal of glistening surfaces can also relate to our survival instincts, as shiny items may symbolize water, a vital resource.

Origin of 'glistening'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English term 'glisnian', which means to shine or gleam.
  • It is related to the word 'gloss', which refers to a shiny surface.
  • The verb 'glisten' appeared in English texts as early as the 14th century.

The word 'glistening' comes from the Middle English word 'glistnen', which is derived from the Old English word 'glisnian'. The concept of something shining or sparkling has been associated with beauty and magic throughout history, leading to the use of 'glistening' to describe things that shine with a sparkling light.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,774, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.