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Shines Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shines

[ʃaɪnz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

weather

To emit light; to be bright; to reflect light; to sparkle.

Synonyms

glimmer, glow, radiate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shines

Used to describe something that emits a bright and strong light, often in a positive and prominent manner.

  • The sun shines brightly in the clear sky.
  • She shines in her role as the team leader.
glow

Indicates a steady, soft light, often associated with warmth or an inner light. Can also describe someone’s appearance when they look very healthy or happy.

  • The campfire's glow kept us warm.
  • Her face glowed with happiness.
radiate

Used when something spreads out light, heat, energy, or emotions from a central point. Often used metaphorically to describe someone's charisma or happiness.

  • The heater radiates warmth throughout the room.
  • He radiates confidence whenever he enters the room.
glimmer

Refers to a faint or wavering light, often indicating something distant or small, sometimes metaphorically used to denote a small sign of hope or luck.

  • A glimmer of light appeared on the horizon.
  • There’s a glimmer of hope in this challenging situation.

Examples of usage

  • The sun shines brightly in the sky.
  • The stars shine in the night sky.
  • The diamond shines brilliantly in the light.
Context #2 | Verb

person

To excel or be outstanding in a particular area.

Synonyms

distinguish oneself, excel, stand out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shines

Similar to 'shines,' this is used to describe something bright or impressive, but could also refer to actual brightness. Often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • The sun shines brightly in the sky
  • During the debate, her intelligence shines
excel

Used to indicate someone who performs at a higher level than most others, often related to skills or abilities in a particular area. Generally used in academic or professional settings.

  • She excels in mathematics and often helps her classmates
  • He excels at playing the piano, winning several competitions
stand out

Describes someone or something that is easily noticeable among others due to unique qualities or features. Can be used in positive, neutral, or sometimes slightly negative contexts depending on the situation.

  • His colorful outfit made him stand out at the formal event
  • Her hard work makes her stand out from her peers
distinguish oneself

Used to describe someone who makes themselves noticeable through their expertise or achievements, usually over others. Often used in formal or professional contexts.

  • She distinguished herself in the company by leading several successful projects
  • He distinguished himself as an excellent researcher in the scientific community

Examples of usage

  • She shines in mathematics.
  • He shines as a leader.
Context #3 | Noun

colloquial

The quality or state of brightness or radiance.

Synonyms

brilliance, luster, radiance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shines

Use 'shines' when describing something that emits light or has a clear, bright appearance. It is often used to describe the sun, stars, or a polished surface.

  • The sun shines brightly in the sky
  • Her eyes shine with joy
radiance

Use 'radiance' to describe a glowing, warm light that seems to emanate from a source, often used metaphorically to describe someone's happiness or health.

  • The radiance of her smile lit up the room
  • The morning sun cast a soft radiance over the landscape
luster

Use 'luster' when referring to the soft and gentle shine, usually associated with surfaces like metals, gemstones, or hair. It often implies a polished or well-maintained appearance.

  • The antique vase still had its original luster
  • Her hair has a beautiful, healthy luster
brilliance

Use 'brilliance' to describe extraordinary intelligence, talent, or brightness. It can be used both to talk about light or metaphorically for someone's skills.

  • Her brilliance in solving complex problems is unmatched
  • The brilliance of the diamond left everyone in awe

Examples of usage

  • She has a natural shine about her.
  • The shine of the polished silver was impressive.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Shining often refers to the emission of light, a process explained by physics as a result of energy transitions in atoms.
  • Stars 'shine' due to nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms unite to form helium, releasing massive amounts of energy, which we see as light.
  • Bioluminescence allows some organisms, like jellyfish and fireflies, to shine without heat, using chemical reactions instead of sunlight.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'You light up my life' conveys how someone's presence can make everything feel brighter.
  • Several songs reference the theme of shining, such as 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' by Pink Floyd, celebrating brilliance and creativity.
  • In movies, characters who shine often symbolize hope or inner strength, like superheroes or stars.

Literature

  • Shining is a recurring motif in poetry, symbolizing hope, guidance, and beauty, as seen in Emily Dickinson's work.
  • Authors often use the concept of shining as a metaphor for knowledge and enlightenment, conveying deeper truths.
  • The idea of inner light or 'shine' is explored in many philosophical texts, suggesting that everyone has potential waiting to be revealed.

Psychology

  • The brightness of someone's personality can help them appear more approachable and likable to others.
  • Research shows that individuals who exhibit joy or enthusiasm can actually influence those around them to feel more positive.
  • The 'shine' of confidence can affect how others perceive your abilities and charisma.

Origin of 'shines'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in Old English 'scīnan', which means 'to glow or gleam'.
  • Related words in other languages include 'brilla' in Spanish and 'briller' in French, all meaning to give off light.
  • Originally, it referred to both physical light and a person's brilliance or talent.

The word 'shine' originated from the Old English word 'scinan', which meant 'to emit light'. Over the years, its meaning expanded to include not only physical brightness but also excellence or outstanding performance in various fields. The word has been used in literature, music, and everyday conversation to convey the idea of radiance, brilliance, or exceptional ability.

See also: outshine, shine, shinier, shininess, shining.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,048, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.