Twinkle: meaning, definitions and examples
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twinkle
[ˈtwɪŋ.kəl ]
Definitions
stars
Shine with a flickering light. To sparkle.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twinkle |
Twinkle is often used to describe a soft, intermittent light, usually in relation to stars or eyes.
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| sparkle |
Sparkle refers to a dynamic, lively shine or brightness often seen in eyes, water, or jewels, suggesting vibrancy and energy.
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| glimmer |
Glimmer refers to a faint or weak light that is often barely visible, creating a sense of subtlety or mystery.
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| glitter |
Glitter is used to describe light that shines with small bright flashes, often used for decorative or superficial contexts. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if referring to something frivolous or insincere.
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Examples of usage
- The stars twinkle in the night sky.
- The lights from distant cities twinkle in the darkness.
eyes
A brief shine or gleam. A twinkling.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twinkle |
Typically used to describe a small, quick light that appears and disappears, like the stars in the night sky or the lights on a Christmas tree. It often carries a magical or whimsical connotation.
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| gleam |
Used to describe a steady and strong shine or brightness. It can be used for surfaces that reflect light, like polished metal or a clean car.
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| sparkle |
Describes a bright, shimmering light often associated with small points of light reflecting off a surface, like diamonds or water. It carries a sense of excitement and beauty.
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| glimmer |
Used to describe a faint or intermittent light. Often, it suggests something seen in the distance or through a bit of an obstacle, like fog or a curtain.
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Examples of usage
- Her eyes had a twinkle of mischief in them.
- The diamond had a twinkle as it caught the light.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old English 'twincle' meaning to sparkle or shine.
- Related words in other languages include 'twinkelen' in Dutch and 'twinkling' in German, both sharing the same sparkling meaning.
Astronomy
- Stars appear to twinkle because their light is distorted by Earth's atmosphere, changing its brightness as it reaches our eyes.
- This shimmering effect is called 'stellar scintillation' and is more noticeable in bright stars than dim ones.
Pop Culture
- 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' is a famous children's lullaby that illustrates the wonder and beauty of stars in the night.
- The term is often used in songs and poetry to evoke feelings of nostalgia, innocence, and the beauty of night.
Psychology
- The sparkle and twinkle of lights can evoke feelings of joy and wonder, often associated with happy memories like holidays.
- Bright and twinkling lights are known to stimulate dopamine release, enhancing our mood.
Literature
- Writers use 'twinkling' to create imagery, helping readers visualize a scene filled with life and nostalgia.
- Famous poets like William Wordsworth have used the concept of twinkling lights to symbolize hope and dreams.
Translations
Translations of the word "twinkle" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cintilar
🇮🇳 झिलमिलाना
🇩🇪 funkeln
🇮🇩 berkilau
🇺🇦 мерехтіти
🇵🇱 migotać
🇯🇵 きらめく (kirameku)
🇫🇷 scintiller
🇪🇸 titilar
🇹🇷 parıldamak
🇰🇷 반짝이다 (banjjakida)
🇸🇦 تلألأ
🇨🇿 třpytit se
🇸🇰 trblietať sa
🇨🇳 闪烁 (shǎnshuò)
🇸🇮 tresketi
🇮🇸 glitra
🇰🇿 жарқырау
🇬🇪 ციმციმი (tsimtsimi)
🇦🇿 işıldamaq
🇲🇽 titilar