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Shiny Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shiny

[ˈʃaɪni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

giving off or reflecting a bright light; radiant; glossy.

Synonyms

bright, glossy, radiant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shiny

Used to describe objects or surfaces that reflect light, often because they are clean or polished.

  • Her new shoes were so shiny, they almost blinded me.
  • The car looks shiny after the wash.
bright

Used to describe light or color that is very vivid and strong. Can also refer to an intelligent person.

  • The sun is very bright today.
  • She has a bright future ahead of her.
radiant

Used to describe something that emits light or heat, often metaphorically to describe people or objects that seem to glow with happiness or energy.

  • The bride looked radiant on her wedding day.
  • The heater was radiant and kept the whole room warm.
glossy

Typically used to describe surfaces that have a smooth, shiny finish, often implying a high quality or luxurious feel.

  • The magazine cover was glossy and high quality.
  • He bought a glossy new sports car.

Examples of usage

  • Her shiny hair caught the sunlight and sparkled beautifully.
  • The shiny new car gleamed in the showroom.
Context #2 | Adjective

new

new and in excellent condition; polished.

Synonyms

new, polished, pristine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shiny

Often used to describe objects that reflect light and have a bright, glossy surface. It can refer to both new items and objects that have been cleaned or polished.

  • The sun made the lake's surface look shiny
  • She wore shiny new shoes to the party
new

Used to describe something that has recently been created, purchased, or introduced. It emphasizes the aspect of being recently made or acquired.

  • I just bought a new phone
  • They have a new car in their driveway
polished

Refers to something that has been made smooth and glossy, often through cleaning or rubbing. It suggests a level of care and attention. It can also refer to a refined skill or manner.

  • The silverware looks polished after being cleaned
  • He gave a polished performance during the concert
pristine

Describes something that is in its original condition, unspoiled, and perfectly clean. Often used to highlight the untouched or immaculate state of an object or environment.

  • The beach remained pristine despite the tourists
  • She kept her book collection in pristine condition

Examples of usage

  • He wore a shiny new suit to the job interview.
  • The kitchen was spotless and filled with shiny appliances.
Context #3 | Noun

slang

a slang term for money.

Synonyms

cash, dough, money.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shiny

Used to describe something that reflects light and appears bright or glossy. Commonly used regarding objects, surfaces, or materials.

  • The new car's paint job was incredibly shiny under the sun.
  • She wore a shiny necklace that caught everyone's eye.
money

A general term for currency that can refer to both physical cash and digital forms of currency. It can be used in a wide range of formal and informal contexts.

  • She invests her money wisely.
  • You need to save money for the future.
cash

Refers specifically to physical currency, such as coins and banknotes. Often used in financial transactions, especially where physical money is exchanged.

  • He paid for his groceries in cash.
  • It's always good to have some cash on hand for emergencies.
dough

A slang term for money, often used in informal or casual conversations. It can sometimes carry a slightly playful or irreverent connotation.

  • He works hard to earn that dough.
  • I need to save up some dough for my vacation.

Examples of usage

  • He made a lot of shiny at his new job.
  • She's always looking to earn more shiny.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Materials like metals and glass are often shiny because they have smooth surfaces that reflect light well.
  • Shiny objects can appear more attractive due to a psychological phenomenon called the 'halo effect', where people assign positive traits to visually appealing things.

Arts and Culture

  • In art, shiny surfaces can create dramatic contrasts and highlight shapes, playing an important role in sculpture and painting.
  • Fashion often embraces shininess, using materials like sequins and metallic fabrics to draw attention and convey glamour.

Nature

  • Many animals, like beetles and birds, have shiny feathers or shells that help them attract mates or scare off predators.
  • Plants can also have shiny leaves, often indicating health and vigor, as they reflect more sunlight.

Everyday Life

  • In daily use, shiny items can signify cleanliness and freshness, seen in the marketing of products like kitchen cleaners.
  • Certain cultures associate shiny surfaces with wealth, using gold or silver to convey status and luxury.

Origin of 'shiny'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shiny' comes from the Old English word 'scīnan', which means 'to shine' or 'to give off light'.
  • Related terms include 'shine' and 'shimmer', each adding a unique nuance to brightness and reflection.

The word 'shiny' originated from the Old English word 'scīniġ', which means bright or radiant. Over time, the meaning of 'shiny' has evolved to describe not only a physical appearance but also the condition of being new and polished. In modern slang, 'shiny' is also used to refer to money, possibly stemming from the idea of wealth as a shiny or valuable commodity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,779, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.