Twinkle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'twinkle'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'twinkle' originated from Middle English 'twynklen', which is akin to Old High German 'zwinkilon' meaning 'to blink'. The verb 'twinkle' has been used since the 14th century to describe the flickering or sparkling of light, especially in reference to stars. Over time, it has also come to be used figuratively to describe a brief gleam of emotion or expression in someone's eyes. The noun form of 'twinkle' developed from the verb in the 17th century.