glittering

/ˈɡlɪtərɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡlɪtərɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgli-tə-riŋ/ (ame, mw)

glittering — adjective

  • glitteringpositive
  • more glitteringcomparative
  • most glitteringsuperlative

1. describes an event, career, or achievement that attracts widespread attention an

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes an event, career, or achievement that attracts widespread attention and admiration because of its connection to fame, wealth, or exceptional success

例句

Theo accepted a glittering prize at the international film festival in Berlin.

glittering prize — figurative use with award/achievement

After ten years of hard work, Priya finally achieved glittering success with her first novel.

glittering success — common collocation

同義詞
  • dazzling

    similar intensity but more about astonishing quality than fame

  • illustrious

    more formal; emphasizes long-term honour and reputation

  • glamorous

    focuses on the exciting, attractive aspect rather than the achievement itself

反義詞
  • modest

    describes success kept low-key or achievements not seeking attention

  • unremarkable

    ordinary success that draws no admiration

文法句型

glittering + noun (career, success, prize, lifestyle)

用法筆記

This sense is almost always used before a noun (attributive position) and carries a strongly positive tone. It modifies nouns connected to achievement or privilege such as career, success, prize, occasion, or lifestyle.

常見錯誤

❌He has a glittering personality.
✅He has a sparkling personality.
💡'glittering' is not used for personal charm; use 'sparkling' instead.
❌The glittering performance won the audience over.
✅The brilliant performance won the audience over.
💡'glittering' describes career-level success, not a single momentary performance.

2. producing or reflecting light in many small, brief points that catch the eye and

2.形容詞B1
釋義

producing or reflecting light in many small, brief points that catch the eye and give a bright, sparkling appearance

例句

Aiko admired the glittering stars above the mountain lake on a clear winter night.

glittering stars — natural light source

Carlos held up a glittering blue gemstone and watched the light dance through it.

glittering gemstone — object reflects light

同義詞
  • sparkling

    implies smaller, livelier flashes; common for eyes, drinks, and light

  • shimmering

    suggests a softer, wavy, continuous shine rather than discrete points

  • glinting

    describes brief, sharp flashes, often from metal or glass

反義詞
  • dull

    lacking surface shine or brightness

  • matte

    non-reflective surface finish

文法句型

glittering + noun (stars, snow, gemstone, lights)

用法筆記

Distinguish from 'sparkling', which suggests smaller, more playful flashes (e.g. sparkling wine, sparkling eyes). 'Glittering' often implies a more scattered, multi-point reflection, as from snow, sequins, or distant city lights. This sense also works after a linking verb less commonly than the attributive position.

常見錯誤

❌The ocean glittered in the sunset.' (using adjective)
✅The ocean was glittering in the sunset.
💡'glittering' as an adjective describes a quality; use the verb 'glitter' for actions or add a linking verb.
❌She has glittering eyes.
✅She has sparkling eyes.
💡'glittering eyes' suggests an unnatural, hard shine; 'sparkling eyes' is the standard idiom for liveliness.