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Sparkles: meaning, definitions and examples

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sparkles

 

[ ˈspɑːr.kəlz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

visual effect

Sparkles are small, bright points of light that twinkle and shimmer, often resembling stars. They can be seen in various contexts such as decorations, in artwork, or naturally in the form of stars in the night sky.

Synonyms

glimmer, glitter, shine, twinkle.

Examples of usage

  • The holiday decorations were adorned with sparkles.
  • The jewelry sparkled under the light.
  • Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Context #2 | Verb

to shine

To sparkles means to emit or reflect light in a shimmering or flickering manner. This term is often used to describe how something shines brightly and attractively.

Synonyms

glisten, glitter, shine, twinkle.

Examples of usage

  • The stars sparkle in the night sky.
  • The ice on the lake sparkles under the sun.
  • Her dress sparkled as she walked.

Etymology

The word 'sparkle' originates from the Middle English word 'sperclen', meaning 'to emit sparks or glimmer', which itself derives from the Old English 'spearclian' (to sparkle) and 'spearca' (spark). The root is related to the Proto-Germanic *sparkô, which also ties to the action of igniting or producing light. Through centuries, the usage of the term has evolved from a more literal interpretation focused on fire and light to describe any shimmering or glistening quality in various contexts. Today, 'sparkle' is commonly associated with anything that catches the eye in a dazzling manner, whether it's jewelry, natural phenomena like stars, or figurative uses in literature and expressions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,350, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.