shine
/ʃaɪn/ IELTSAcademic
verb
- 1.
To give off light, or to make something bright by reflecting light. It can also mean to be very bright or clear.
- The sun shone through the window.
- Her shoes shine after polishing.
- 2.
To look especially good or impressive. It often suggests success, beauty, or strong ability.
- He really shines in interviews.
- The team shone in the final match.
noun
Light or brightness from a source. It can also mean a polished or bright surface.
- There was a soft shine on the floor.
- The metal had a dull shine.
Adinary Nuance
Shine is more vivid than succeed and less formal than excel. Use it when someone looks bright, confident, or impressive, not just when they do well. For objects, it means light or a glossy surface, so it is different from glow, which is softer and less sharp.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tỏa sáng
- Spanish
- brillar
- Chinese
- 闪耀
- Japanese
- 輝く
- Korean
- 빛나다
Etymology
Old English scīnan meant “to shine” or “to emit light.” It comes from a Germanic root that is still seen in related words across Germanic languages.
Common phrases
shine brightlyshine throughlet your shoes shineshine in
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is shine formal or informal?
- It is common in both speaking and writing. In formal writing, it often means strong performance.
- What is the difference between shine and glow?
- Shine is brighter and sharper. Glow is softer and more gentle.
- Can I say a person shines?
- Yes. It means the person stands out or does very well.
- Is shine used in academic English?
- Yes, but more often in a figurative way, like a student or idea that shines.