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Twinkling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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twinkling

[ˈtwɪŋklɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

stars

Shine with a gleam that changes constantly; twinkle

Synonyms

glimmer, glitter, sparkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twinkling

Use 'twinkling' when describing a brief, intermittent, and often gentle or soft light. It usually describes stars or small lights seen from afar.

  • The stars were twinkling in the night sky.
  • She noticed the twinkling of fairy lights in the garden.
sparkle

Use 'sparkle' when describing something that shines with bright points of light. It conveys a sense of liveliness and energy.

  • Her diamond earrings sparkled under the lights.
  • The fresh snow sparkled in the morning sun.
glitter

Use 'glitter' for a strong, bright, and often sparkling light. It is commonly used to describe something that shines brightly and attractively, often with a slightly gaudy or showy connotation.

  • The city's skyline glittered with lights.
  • Her dress was covered in glitter, making her stand out in the crowd.
glimmer

Use 'glimmer' to describe a faint or weak light that can be seen in the distance or is partially obstructed. It suggests a light that is not steady or is not fully clear.

  • There was a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
  • A glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes.

Examples of usage

  • The stars were twinkling in the night sky.
  • The fairy lights twinkled in the darkness.
Context #2 | Noun

eyes

To shine with a flickering light; flicker

Synonyms

glimmer, glow, sparkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twinkling

Ideal for describing small, intermittent flashes of light, often from distant or small sources, creating a charming and magical effect.

  • The twinkling stars filled the night sky
  • ; Her eyes were twinkling with excitement
sparkle

Applicable when describing bright, sharp flashes of light, typically suggesting liveliness or excitement.

  • The diamond sparkled in the sunlight
  • ; He spoke with a sparkle in his voice
glimmer

Best used when referring to faint or wavering light, intimating something delicate or barely visible.

  • A glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon
  • ; She saw a glimmer of light through the thick fog
glow

Use for steady, warm light emanating from a source, often giving a sense of warmth or gentle illumination.

  • The fireplace gave a warm glow to the room
  • ; Her face had a healthy glow after the workout

Examples of usage

  • Her eyes were twinkling with mischief.
  • The Christmas lights twinkled in the windows.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Twinkling occurs when light from stars passes through different layers of Earth's atmosphere, causing a visual distortion.
  • This phenomenon is called 'stellar scintillation' and is more pronounced when viewing stars close to the horizon.

Literature

  • Many poems and songs use 'twinkling' to evoke feelings of magic and wonder, especially in relation to stars and dreams.
  • Shakespeare referred to twinkling in his works, showing its long-lasting presence in English poetry and drama.

Pop Culture

  • 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' is one of the most famous nursery rhymes, emphasizing the enchanting quality of stars.
  • The word often appears in songs, stories, and movies, symbolizing hope, inspiration, and beauty.

Psychology

  • Seeing twinkling lights, such as stars, can evoke feelings of nostalgia and calmness, facilitating a sense of peace.
  • Research indicates that observing twinkling lights can enhance mood and reduce stress, tying closely to our desire for connection with nature.

Origin of 'twinkling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'twinkle' comes from Middle English 'twinklen', which means to shine with a flickering light.
  • 'Twinkling' has been used in English literature since the early 14th century, emphasizing the charm of flickering lights.

The word 'twinkling' comes from the Middle English word 'twinklen', which means 'to wink'. It has been used to describe the flickering or shining of lights since the 14th century. The association with stars and eyes has made it a popular word to describe the sparkling or gleaming of light.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,358, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.