Twinkled: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "twinkled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brilhou

🇮🇳 चमकना

🇩🇪 funkelte

🇮🇩 berkelap-kelip

🇺🇦 іскритися

🇵🇱 błyszczał

🇯🇵 きらめいた

🇫🇷 scintillé

🇪🇸 destelló

🇹🇷 parıldadı

🇰🇷 반짝였다

🇸🇦 تلألأ

🇨🇿 zářil

🇸🇰 zablýskol

🇨🇳 闪烁

🇸🇮 zableščal

🇮🇸 glitraði

🇰🇿 жарқырады

🇬🇪 ბრწყინავდა

🇦🇿 parıldadı

🇲🇽 destelló

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.