glittering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'glittering' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that sparkles brilliantly, shines or flashes with reflected light. Example: The diamond necklace shone with glittering light.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inside the country, Fidesz has favoured the middle class, and especially the upper middle class, thereby building a core clientele of politically active supporters – while slashing benefits for the neediest (about a third of Hungarians live in poverty – don't be fooled by the glittering, EU-funded projects in the centre of Budapest).

The Guardian - Opinion

Older models wore their own silver hair long; younger ones had glittering granite-toned hair extensions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The characters, plot lines and places are back – both glittering and dark.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hard to argue with that, I thought later, as I strolled in the sunshine down the newly glittering port, restored from its former seediness.

The Guardian

Should it be acceptable to earn money from the grubby business of imprisoning asylum seekers while at the same time backing glittering artistic works?

The Guardian - Opinion

This arena was the scene of Bayern nightmares last May, when Chelsea pipped them to Europe's most glittering crown and, suddenly, the demons of the past threatened to encircle them.

The Guardian - Sport

We can't imagine what will happen next, but we've got a bad feeling about the king's shooting trip with his brother… Gone are the dog poo-covered dirty streets of London; the capital is now a majestic, beautiful city full of glittering lights, great teeth and expensive blow-dries.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In past years the oligarchs who control huge swaths of the economy have become famous for glittering Great Gatsby-style parties.

The Guardian

The 34-year-old Gerrard, who has made 708 appearances in a glittering 17-year career with his hometown club, is moving to Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

There, glittering under glass, lies the Mike Todd diamond tiara which sat atop the actor's head at the 1957 Oscars.

The Guardian - Film

Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, had earlier declared the city's "gallus, glittering Games" a predictable triumph, modestly telling the Commonwealth Games Federation that the city had taken the 84-year-old event, "respectfully, to a new and higher level".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glittering" to describe something that sparkles brightly with reflected light, but consider other adjectives like "shimmering" or "sparkling" for subtle nuances in the type of light.

Common error

Avoid using "glittering" excessively in formal or serious writing where a more understated or precise descriptor might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Glittering primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that shines or sparkles brightly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "glittering" is an adjective used to describe something that sparkles or shines brightly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and indicates it's a common term found often in News & Media. While generally acceptable, "glittering" is mostly appropriate in neutral to formal contexts and should be used judiciously in more serious or understated writing. Alternatives like "sparkling", "shimmering", and "gleaming" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. Avoid overuse to prevent the writing from sounding excessively embellished.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparkling

Emphasizes the presence of small flashes of light, similar to "glittering" but potentially more delicate.

shimmering

Suggests a soft, wavering light, implying movement and a less intense brilliance compared to "glittering".

gleaming

Highlights a steady, reflected light, conveying a sense of cleanliness and polish, differing from the more scattered light of "glittering".

radiant

Focuses on emitted light, suggesting warmth and vitality, unlike "glittering" which is based on reflection.

brilliant

Implies exceptional brightness and clarity, often used metaphorically for intelligence or achievement, a broader sense than "glittering".

dazzling

Indicates an overwhelming brightness that can almost blind, a more intense experience than "glittering".

resplendent

Suggests a rich and splendid display, indicating opulence and grandeur more directly than "glittering".

luminous

Implies emitting light, either literally or metaphorically, differing from the reflected light suggested by "glittering".

coruscating

Highlights rapid flashes of light, presenting a more dynamic and complex pattern than simple "glittering".

effulgent

Conveys a radiating splendor, implying an outpouring of light or glory, a stronger sense of emanation than "glittering".

FAQs

How can I use "glittering" in a sentence?

You can use "glittering" to describe something that reflects light and shines brightly, for example, "The "glittering lights" of the city skyline at night".

What are some synonyms for "glittering"?

Alternatives to "glittering" include "sparkling", "shimmering", and "gleaming", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "glittering" to describe a person's achievements?

Yes, "glittering" can be used metaphorically to describe a person's impressive or outstanding achievements, such as a "glittering career".

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

"Glittering" implies a sparkling, reflected light, while "shining" suggests a more steady, direct light source. A diamond is "glittering", while the sun is "shining".