Words of Positivity
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Glittering

adj.joyful, energeticliterary

What it means

Shining with many bright flashes, or impressively splendid in appearance.

Reach for it when praising visible brilliance while avoiding unsupported claims about achievement

A glittering canopy of repaired glass hung above the dancers.

Choose between these

7
  • playful

    shiny

    plain informal language should name a reflective surface

    not when Shiny can sound childish and says nothing about elegance.

  • everyday

    glamorous

    style, beauty, and prestige create the attraction

    not when Glamorous need not involve literal reflected light.

  • warm

    sparkling

    small bright reflections create a cheerful polished look

    not when Sparkling is lighter and less showy than glittering.

  • professional

    lustrous

    a rich even sheen signals material quality

    not when Lustrous is smooth and subdued, whereas glittering consists of bright flashes.

  • formal

    celebrated

    recognized success rather than visual splendor is the point

    not when A celebrated career may be worthy without being socially glittering.

  • formal

    resplendent

    rich appearance deserves ceremonial high praise

    not when Resplendent sounds inflated for a modest decorative detail.

  • literary

    dazzling

    brilliance is intense enough to overwhelm attention

    not when Dazzling overstates beauty that is bright but comfortable to view.

Said against

3
  • dull
  • drab
  • lackluster

It naturally appears in

3
  • glittering display

    The glittering display used recovered mirrors rather than disposable foil.

  • glittering lights

    Glittering lights traced the outline of the old station roof.

  • glittering occasion

    The awards night was a glittering occasion with a sober purpose.

The word family

1

Where this comes from

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.