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Twinkled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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twinkled

[ˈtwɪŋkəld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Twinkled is the past tense of the verb 'twinkle.' It describes the action of shining intermittently with a flickering light. This term is often used to describe stars in the night sky or lights that flash on and off.

Synonyms

flickered, glimmered, shimmered, sparkled.

Examples of usage

  • The stars twinkled beautifully last night.
  • The fairy lights twinkled in the garden.
  • Her eyes twinkled with joy.
  • The city lights twinkled like stars from the hilltop.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, the word is often used to evoke feelings of magic or nostalgia, as in famous poems about stars or night.
  • One of the most recognized references can be found in the nursery rhyme 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star', which uses the word to convey the beauty of a starry night.

Astronomy

  • Stars appear to twinkle due to the Earth's atmosphere causing light to bend as it reaches us. This phenomenon is called 'stellar scintillation'.
  • The brightness and color of a star can change due to atmospheric conditions, making the twinkling effect more pronounced on some nights.

Pop Culture

  • The word frequently appears in song lyrics, conveying joy, magic, and wonder, specifically in children's music and fairy tales.
  • In movies and literature, 'twinkling' lights often symbolize hope, dreams, or a special moment.

Psychology

  • Twinkling lights, like stars, can have a calming effect on people's minds, often associated with feelings of peace and tranquility.
  • Studies have shown that being in nature and observing the night sky can improve mood and reduce stress.

Origin of 'twinkled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in Old English, where 'twincian' meant to shine or glow.
  • It was originally used to describe the flickering lights of stars and has been in use since the early 14th century.

The verb 'twinkle' is derived from the Middle English word 'twinklen', which is a frequentative form of 'twink', meaning to move quickly or to flicker. Its origins can be traced back to Old English 'twincian', meaning to close or to wink. Over the centuries, the term has evolved to predominantly refer to the rhythmic flickering of light and its use has expanded into various poetic and figurative contexts, most frequently associated with stars. The poetic imagery associated with 'twinkling' evokes feelings of wonder, beauty, and sometimes nostalgia, as in the famous nursery rhyme 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,695, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.