Sheen: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically refers to a smooth and gentle brightness or reflection on a surface. It is often used to describe a delicate, almost soft, reflective quality.

• The moon’s sheen on the lake was mesmerizing.
• Her hair had a healthy sheen after the treatment.

A general term for brightness or light reflecting off a surface. It can also refer to figurative brilliance or success.

• The sun began to shine brightly after the rain.
• He shined in his role as the team's leader.

Describes a shiny, often slick or polished surface. It is commonly used in contexts where a high-quality, smooth finish is intended.

• The glossy magazine covers caught everyone's eye.
• He preferred a gloss paint finish for the kitchen cabinets.

Usually refers to a radiant or shimmering quality. It can describe an intrinsic shine, often used with gemstones or metals. It metaphorically implies excellence or glory.

• The silver had lost its lustre over the years.
• Her career was at its full lustre.

Sheen is often used to describe a soft, smooth shine on surfaces like hair, skin, or metals. It suggests a subtle and elegant glimmer.

• She admired the sheen of her freshly polished silverware
• His hair had a healthy sheen under the sunlight

Glow is generally used to describe a warm, steady light emanating from a source, such as a lamp, fire, or a person's skin. It can also describe a state of radiance due to health or emotion.

• The fireplace gave off a comforting glow
• After the workout, she had a healthy glow on her face

Radiance generally refers to a bright, shining quality, often with positive connotations. It can describe both physical light and figurative attributes like happiness or beauty.

• Her smile had an unmatched radiance that lit up the room
• The sun's radiance was blinding at noon

Luminosity is a more technical term often used in scientific or astronomical contexts to describe the intensity of light from a celestial body or light source. It can denote a more measurable or quantifiable brightness.

• The astronomers measured the luminosity of the star to determine its age
• The luminosity of the light bulb is higher than the standard ones

Sheen refers to a soft, gentle light or reflection often seen on smooth surfaces. This word is appropriate to describe the subtle, polished look of an object.

• The new car had a beautiful sheen.
• Her hair had a healthy sheen after using the conditioner.

Shine is a more general term for a bright or reflective light. It can be used in various contexts, ranging from sunlight to polished objects.

• The sun began to shine through the clouds.
• She polished the silver until it shined.

Glisten is typically used to describe something that shines with a sparkling light, often due to being wet or oily. It works well for contexts involving water or sweat.

• The morning dew made the grass glisten.
• Her eyes began to glisten with tears.

Glow is used to describe a steady, warm light. It is often associated with light emanating from within an object or person, giving a sense of warmth or health.

• The fireplace gave a comforting glow.
• His face had a healthy glow after the run.