glistening

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "glistening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is brightly shining or sparkling, often in an appealing way. For example, "The glistening crystal lake was like a mirror, reflecting the bright blue sky above."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And there they were, yellowish-green combs whose spherical tips mimicked glistening nectar droplets, arrayed between the stamens and the petals.

The Guardian

And I remember the rehearsal dinner was at this Western-style steakhouse, and there were big plates of glistening steaks; it was just obscene.

The Guardian

I pulled out Jemima's Journal, flipping to her encounter with "the pointed Eiger, cowled Mönch and glistening Jungfrau": she quoted Longfellow, who'd called them "the Apostles of nature whose sermons are avalanches".

The Guardian - Travel

At one of the biggest building sites, the Prince's Palace, roof tiles are glistening under the sun, but scaffolding still dominate the site.

The Guardian

At the same time, there is something about those fat stacks of US pancakes, all pumped up on baking powder (the kitchen's cocaine), dripping in syrup and glistening like Miami Beach sunbathers, that seems brash and ridiculous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And having laid waste to all about him, he left with a light smile playing about his glistening tie.

The Guardian

I've seen mudskippers fight in mini battles for territory, and monitor lizards race across the glistening surface of mudflats towards the safety of deeper pools.

The Guardian

The assumption that what would work in the pseudo-hippie, rich kid paradise of Coachella would also work in the simultaneously gritty and glistening city of Chicago at Lollapalooza highlights the tone-deaf planning of some festival organizers.

The Guardian

I opened my eyes to see the pristine beach glistening in the clean dawn air.

The Guardian - Travel

And Calvin Harris, now as slick as an American soap star, abs glistening in an Armani underwear ad lit solely by his teeth, has had the full before-and-after treatment, with the shocking revelation that having lots of money may make you look as though you have lots of money.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For a year he kept a Tumblr on which he posted a picture of Tyson every day: "The people who followed me filled their own Tumblrs almost exclusively with pictures of Notorious BIG and girls with meaty, glistening tits.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glistening" to describe objects or surfaces that reflect light in a way that is both bright and smooth, conveying a sense of cleanliness, freshness, or luxury. For instance, "glistening snow" evokes a different image than "shining snow".

Common error

Avoid using "glistening" with abstract nouns where it doesn't logically fit. For example, saying "glistening hope" may sound awkward; consider alternatives like "radiant hope" or "shining hope" for better effect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "glistening" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their appearance. It indicates a bright, smooth, and reflective surface. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adds a vivid detail to the noun it modifies, creating a strong visual image.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "glistening" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something that reflects light in a bright and appealing manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. With a "Very common" frequency, it is widely used in various contexts, most notably in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When writing, it's best to use "glistening" to add vivid detail when describing objects or surfaces and to avoid overuse with abstract nouns. For alternatives, consider "shimmering", "gleaming", or "sparkling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shimmering

Describes a softer, often wavering, light reflection.

gleaming

Implies a bright, steady shine, often from a polished surface.

sparkling

Suggests small, bright flashes of light.

shining

A more general term for emitting or reflecting light.

glimmering

Indicates a faint or wavering light.

lustrous

Describes a soft, reflected light, often associated with smooth surfaces.

radiant

Implies a strong, emitted light, often with a positive connotation.

effulgent

Describes a brilliant and radiant light (less common).

scintillating

Suggests a lively, sparkling light or quality.

coruscating

Refers to flashes of light; sparkling or glittering.

FAQs

How can I use "glistening" in a sentence?

You can use "glistening" to describe something that shines or reflects light, like "The "glistening dew" covered the grass in the morning" or "The chef presented a "glistening roast"."

What words are similar to "glistening"?

Alternatives to "glistening" include "shimmering", "gleaming", "sparkling", and "shining". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "glistening with sweat"?

Yes, describing someone as "glistening with sweat" is a common and acceptable usage, implying they are covered in a bright, reflective layer of perspiration. It conveys effort or exertion.

What's the difference between "glistening" and "glittering"?

"Glistening" implies a smoother, more uniform reflection of light, like a wet surface, whereas "glittering" suggests many small, bright flashes of light from a surface with many facets or particles, like "glittering jewelry".