glitter
/ˈɡlɪtə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡlɪtər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgli-tər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɡlɪt.ər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡlɪt̬.ɚ/ (ame, ipa)
glitter — verb
1. to send out many tiny, bright flashes of light when light hits a surface that is
to send out many tiny, bright flashes of light when light hits a surface that is smooth or made of many small parts
Mayumi's necklace glittered under the bright lights of the restaurant.
intransitive verb — subject is a shiny object
Nikos watched the snow glitter on the mountain as the sun came up.
Hassan noticed tiny pieces of glass glittering on the pavement.
The surface of the frozen lake glittered like a mirror in winter.
- darken
to become dark and lose shine
用法筆記
Often used for small, dry, or hard surfaces that break light into many tiny points. Compare with 'glisten', which is typically used for wet or oily surfaces.
常見錯誤
2. (of a person's eyes) to shine with a sharp brightness that reveals a strong feel
(of a person's eyes) to shine with a sharp brightness that reveals a strong feeling such as excitement, anger, or desire
Yara's eyes glittered with happiness when she saw the puppy.
glitter + with + emotion noun
A cold anger glittered in Stephanie's eyes as she listened.
Ezra's eyes glittered as he talked about his plans for the future.
The old woman's eyes glittered with tears as she hugged her grandson.
用法筆記
Only used for eyes, not for other facial features. The emotion is usually intense and briefly visible. Frequently combined with 'with' plus an emotion noun such as 'anger', 'excitement', 'triumph'.
常見錯誤
glitter — noun
1. the exciting, attractive quality of a life that involves wealth, fame, or luxury
the exciting, attractive quality of a life that involves wealth, fame, or luxury — often used to suggest that this appeal may be shallow or misleading
Quan dreamed of the glitter of fame and a life in the spotlight.
uncountable noun — the glitter of + noun
The glitter of Hollywood has attracted young actors for generations.
Behind the glitter of fashion shows lies a business with tight deadlines.
Folake soon learned that the glitter of wealth does not guarantee happiness.
用法筆記
Often carries a suggestion that the attractiveness is superficial or temporary. Frequently appears in contrastive patterns ('behind the glitter...', 'the glitter of X soon fades').
2. a short, bright sparkling light produced when something shines or reflects light
a short, bright sparkling light produced when something shines or reflects light
The glitter of candlelight made the dining room feel warm and cozy.
the glitter of + light source
Dario could see the glitter of the river through the trees.
A sudden glitter caught Layla's eye — it was her lost earring.
Joaquín loved the glitter of city lights at night from his balcony.
用法筆記
Used in singular form ('a glitter' or 'the glitter') rather than as a plural count noun. Describes the visual effect itself rather than the object producing it.
3. very fine, shiny particles used as decoration on skin, clothing, or in arts and
very fine, shiny particles used as decoration on skin, clothing, or in arts and crafts to add sparkle
Layla sprinkled silver glitter on her birthday card.
uncountable — no article needed
Mateo's artwork was covered with tiny pieces of red and gold glitter.
Faisal bought a pot of green glitter for his school project.
The children poured glitter onto the glue to make their stars shine.
用法筆記
Uncountable noun — you cannot say 'a glitter' in this sense. Measured with quantifiers like 'a pot of', 'some', 'a tube of'. Do not confuse with 'glitter glue', which is a different product.