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.
| playful | |
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| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
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playful
shiny
Fits when plain informal language should name a reflective surface
Careful Shiny can sound childish and says nothing about elegance.
everyday
Fits when style, beauty, and prestige create the attraction
Careful Glamorous need not involve literal reflected light.
warm
Fits when small bright reflections create a cheerful polished look
Careful Sparkling is lighter and less showy than glittering.
professional
Fits when a rich even sheen signals material quality
Careful Lustrous is smooth and subdued, whereas glittering consists of bright flashes.
formal
Fits when recognized success rather than visual splendor is the point
Careful A celebrated career may be worthy without being socially glittering.
formal
Fits when rich appearance deserves ceremonial high praise
Careful Resplendent sounds inflated for a modest decorative detail.
literary
Fits when brilliance is intense enough to overwhelm attention
Careful Dazzling overstates beauty that is bright but comfortable to view.
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.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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