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Shininess: meaning, definitions and examples

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shininess

 

[ˈʃaɪniːnəs ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word is derived from 'shine', which comes from the Old English term 'scīnan', meaning to emit light.
  • The suffix '-ness' is added to adjectives to form nouns that express a state or condition, as seen in other words like 'happiness' and 'kindness'.

Science

  • Shininess can be influenced by surface texture; smoother surfaces reflect light better than rough ones.
  • In materials science, shininess is often described using terms like 'gloss', 'matte', and 'semi-gloss', each denoting different levels of light reflection.

Art

  • In visual arts, shininess can be used to create contrast in paintings, drawing the viewer’s attention to certain areas.
  • Artists often use glossy materials like oil paints or varnishes to enhance the shininess of their work, giving it a lifelike quality.

Pop Culture

  • Shininess is a recurring theme in fashion, where shiny fabrics like sequins and metallics are popular for dazzling evening attire.
  • In the movie world, scenes featuring shiny objects often signify importance or magical qualities, drawing viewers' eyes immediately.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that shiny objects can evoke positive emotional responses, such as excitement or joy, due to their association with wealth and luxury.
  • Shiny items also attract attention more than dull ones; in marketing, this principle is often exploited to create eye-catching advertisements.

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

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.