dull glitter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dull glitter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a lackluster or unimpressive shine or sparkle, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The old, tarnished jewelry had a dull glitter that failed to catch anyone's eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He wore a red-and-black cape that had the intricate dull glitter of jet beads, one of Mr. Gonzales's most handsome designs.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sifting them through his brain, Ferguson would grow dulled to their glitter, indifferent to life and able to sleep.

The New Yorker

I know this, even as the edges of the grief start to dull and happiness glitters when the light hits it just right.

Huffington Post

I have spent a considerable amount of time in Calgary, however, and can attest to its being extremely dull and — aside from a glittering skyline (from afar) — also quite homely.

The Economist

And it is sadly lacking in savoir faire, littered as it is with projects flubbed in their execution, from the empty buildings in Riyadh's new financial district to the drabness of Riyadh, a dull backwater not merely compared with glittering Dubai but also with Manama, the Bahraini capital.

The Economist

Johnny's story is all glitter and sparks, Will's in a very dull-brown environment, and Tunny is driven and pure and then gets smashed up".

The New York Times

Paige played a little with the Indians and the Browns, but as the glitter of his feats in the 30's and 40's dulled, he wound up in the minors.

The New York Times - Books

We've seen Obama at the glittering top of his game, we've seen how introspective remoteness can dull that electricity.

The New York Times

Then, again swiftly, the dull light of a re-emergent but clouded sun returns the color -- a glittering blue-green sea, the frosted green tussock and the yellow-orange throats of the massed ranks of blue-black king penguins.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not only does Mr French succeed in solving the crime, he resurrects a period that was filled with glitter as well as evil, but was never, as readers will appreciate, known for being dull.

The Economist

Dull, dull and duller.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dull glitter" to precisely describe something that has a hint of sparkle but lacks strong brilliance. This can be more evocative than simply saying something is "not shiny".

Common error

Avoid using "dull glitter" when describing something truly awful or tragic. It's a nuanced descriptor, and its subtle quality might be lost or seem inappropriate in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dull glitter" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun. According to Ludwig, it accurately describes something with a lackluster or unimpressive shine. It combines an adjective (dull) with a noun (glitter) to create a nuanced description.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dull glitter" is a grammatically sound and descriptively precise term used to convey a subdued or lackluster sparkle. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately describes something with a faint or diminished shine. While not a frequent expression, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts, it serves a valuable purpose in providing nuanced descriptions. Alternatives such as "subdued sparkle" or "muted gleam" can be used for variety. When employing "dull glitter", consider the overall tone to ensure appropriateness, especially avoiding overly dramatic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subdued sparkle

Emphasizes the reduced intensity of the sparkle.

muted gleam

Highlights the soft, understated quality of the gleam.

faded shimmer

Focuses on the diminished or weakened shimmer.

lackluster shine

Directly points out the absence of a strong, vibrant shine.

soft sheen

Describes a gentle and subtle reflective quality.

tarnished radiance

Suggests a once-bright radiance that has lost its luster.

gentle glimmer

Highlights a faint and delicate glimmer.

dim glow

Emphasizes a weak and faint source of light.

understated sparkle

Highlights the subtle and reserved nature of the sparkle.

weak iridescence

Indicates a faint and unimpressive iridescent effect.

FAQs

How can "dull glitter" be used effectively in a sentence?

Use "dull glitter" to describe something that has a subtle or subdued sparkle, not a bright or intense shine. For example, "The old coins had a "dull glitter" in the dim light."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "dull glitter"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "subdued sparkle", "muted gleam", or "faded shimmer" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "dull glitter" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

Yes, "dull glitter" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing something with a subtle or understated appearance. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What does it mean when something is described as having "dull glitter"?

It means that the object or surface has a faint or weak sparkle, lacking the vibrancy and intensity of regular glitter. It suggests a more subtle and less noticeable shine.