Shininess: meaning, definitions and examples

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shininess

 

[ ˈʃaɪniːnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

appearance

The quality or state of being shiny; brightness; luster.

Synonyms

brightness, glossiness, luster.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shininess

Use when referring to something that reflects light in a noticeable way. Often used for objects and surfaces.

  • The shininess of the polished car caught everyone's attention
  • The shininess of his new shoes impressed his friends
brightness

Commonly used when describing light intensity or vividness, often in terms of colors or light sources.

  • The brightness of the sun made it hard to see
  • She loved the brightness of the flowers in the garden
luster

Describes a soft, reflected light, often used in context with materials such as metals, gemstones, and hair.

  • The luster of the pearl necklace was breathtaking
  • His hair had lost its luster after being out in the sun for days
glossiness

Refers to a surface that is smooth and shiny, often with a wet or highly reflective appearance. Commonly used in art, printing, and cosmetics.

  • The glossiness of the magazine cover made it look very professional
  • Her lipstick had a beautiful glossiness that was perfect for the party

Examples of usage

  • The shininess of the new car's paint was impressive.
  • Her jewelry sparkled with shininess in the sunlight.
Context #2 | Noun

quality

A quality or characteristic that makes something shiny or reflective.

Synonyms

polish, reflectiveness, sheen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shininess

Duplicate entry; refer to the first definition and examples.

reflectiveness

Describes the quality of reflecting light or images. It is often scientific or technical and can be used metaphorically to describe thoughtfulness.

  • The reflectiveness of the metal made it difficult to look at in the bright sun.
  • Her reflectiveness about past experiences helped her grow as a person.
sheen

Used to describe a soft, subdued glow on a surface. It often carries a positive connotation and can be found in descriptions of fashion, beauty, and cleanliness.

  • The silk dress had a lovely sheen under the lights.
  • The freshly waxed floor had a nice sheen.
polish

Typically used when talking about the smooth, glossy finish achieved through rubbing or cleaning. It can also be used metaphorically to describe refining skills or presentation.

  • The table had a beautiful polish after being cleaned.
  • He gave his shoes a good polish before the interview.
  • Her speech was well-polished, leaving a strong impression.

Examples of usage

  • The shininess of the polished silverware was striking.
  • The shininess of the diamond added to its value.

Translations

Translations of the word "shininess" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brilho

🇮🇳 चमक

🇩🇪 Glanz

🇮🇩 kilau

🇺🇦 блиск

🇵🇱 blask

🇯🇵 輝き (kagayaki)

🇫🇷 brillance

🇪🇸 brillo

🇹🇷 parlaklık

🇰🇷 반짝임 (banjjakim)

🇸🇦 لمعان

🇨🇿 lesk

🇸🇰 lesk

🇨🇳 光泽 (guāngzé)

🇸🇮 sijaj

🇮🇸 gljái

🇰🇿 жылтырау

🇬🇪 ბრწყინვალება

🇦🇿 parıltı

🇲🇽 brillo

Etymology

The word 'shininess' is derived from the adjective 'shiny', which comes from the Old English 'scīniġ'. The concept of shininess has been valued throughout history, with shiny objects often associated with beauty, luxury, and wealth. Humans have long been drawn to shiny things, whether it be precious metals, gemstones, or simply well-polished surfaces. The desire for shininess has influenced various industries, from fashion and jewelry to automotive and technology.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,034, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.