scintillating

USAGE SUMMARY

'scintillating' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning 'intellectually stimulating or exciting.' For example, you could say "The professor's scintillating lecture on modern architecture was a highlight of the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At their best, Zeman's Roma were scintillating.

The Guardian - Sport

I was fortunate enough to see your Macbeth in Manchester, it was absolutely scintillating!

The Guardian

Juventus had conceded in each of their previous five games across all competitions, while Alessio Cerci's scintillating form had helped Torino to score six goals in their last three.

The Guardian - Sport

A shame, as the city and its surroundings have continued to undergone massive changes, and to be sclerotic and scintillating at the same time: congested freeways, massive real estate price inflation, absurd wealth on one side of the city and deprivation on the other, racial conflict and exhilarating cultural hybridity.

The Guardian - Books

It is also not scintillating, nor even engaging.

The Economist

Still, Romania is rich in talent and resources: its best days are ahead.Also well worth reading is the NEE interview with the Polish-born American historian of Russia, Richard Pipes (whose scintillating memoirs I reviewed in the Economist print edition a few years ago).

The Economist

Watching Corin Redgrave embody the one-time wordsmith, wit and apparent sexual fetishist Kenneth Tynan is to open one's eyes to a kind of genius that is both scintillating and not a little sad.Richard Nelson's play, adapted in collaboration with Colin Chambers from Tynan's own diaries, has anecdotes to spare, as one might expect, and a degree of pathos which one might not anticipate.

The Economist

But it amounts to a less than scintillating pitch.The axeman reconsiderethMr Cameron and his clan have suffered multiple embarrassments recently.

The Economist

Lest you fear that the meteoric numbers on the night may outdazzle the art, a strutting, primary-coloured "Cockerel" by Joan Miró, and a scintillating Fauvist masterpiece, André Derain's "Bateaux à Collioure" (1905), both in Christie's evening sale of impressionism and modern art, remind one why this sector is once again resurgent.

The Economist

One has to wonder, for instance, why Konrad sits silently, lips pursed, while Henrik delivers what for all intents and purposes is one long speech and not a terribly scintillating one at that.

The Economist

Traditional fairytales, such as "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Cinderella", have fared much better.There is one scintillating Shakespearean exception.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scintillating" to describe something that is both brilliantly clever and exciting, like a performance or conversation. Avoid using it for mundane or ordinary subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "scintillating" to describe something that is merely 'good' or 'pleasant'. The word implies a high degree of brilliance and excitement. Using it too casually diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scintillating" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as brilliantly clever, exciting, or sparkling. Ludwig examples show its use in describing performances, writing, and even cities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "scintillating" is a powerful descriptor, denoting something brilliantly clever, exciting, or sparkling. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It is commonly found in News & Media, highlighting exceptional qualities in performances, writing, and even places. While synonyms like "brilliant" or "dazzling" exist, "scintillating" specifically emphasizes a lively and intellectually stimulating nature. Remember to reserve this word for genuinely exceptional subjects to maintain its impact and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brilliant

Focuses more on intellectual or artistic excellence rather than a sparkling quality.

dazzling

Emphasizes the overwhelming or impressive nature of something, often visually.

sparkling

Highlights the lively and animated quality, similar to literal sparks.

vibrant

Conveys energy and liveliness, but not necessarily intellectual brilliance.

exciting

Focuses on the stimulating and thrilling aspects.

riveting

Suggests a captivating and absorbing quality.

stimulating

Highlights the intellectually or creatively inspiring aspects.

impressive

Conveys a sense of admiration and respect.

remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthy or extraordinary nature.

dynamic

Suggests activity and progress, but may not imply brilliance.

FAQs

How can I use "scintillating" in a sentence?

You can use "scintillating" to describe something brilliantly clever, exciting, or lively. For example, "The comedian delivered a "scintillating" performance that had the audience roaring with laughter."

What are some synonyms for "scintillating"?

Some synonyms for "scintillating" include "brilliant", "dazzling", "sparkling", and "vibrant". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "scintillating" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "scintillating" is appropriate for formal writing when used to describe something truly exceptional and intellectually stimulating. It adds sophistication to your prose without being overly colloquial.

What is the difference between "scintillating" and "interesting"?

"Interesting" simply means something holds your attention. "Scintillating" implies something is brilliantly clever, exciting, and intellectually stimulating—a much stronger and more positive description.