I. spar ‧ kle 1 /ˈspɑːk ə l $ ˈspɑːr-/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive]
[ Date: 1100-1200 ; Origin: spark ]
1 . to shine in small bright flashes ⇨ sparkling :
The sea sparkled in the sun.
The crystal chandelier sparkled.
2 . if someone’s eyes sparkle, they seem to shine brightly, especially because the person is happy or excited ⇨ sparkling
sparkle with
Ron’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ to shine by reflecting light
▪ sparkle/glitter if something sparkles, it shines with many small bright points when light is on it:
The sea sparkled in the sunlight.
|
Jewels glittered around her neck.
▪ gleam to shine by reflecting the light – used especially about smooth clean surfaces, or about someone’s eyes or teeth:
The sword’s blade gleamed.
|
a gleaming sports car
|
His blue eyes gleamed with amusement.
▪ glint to shine with quick flashes of light:
The knife glinted in the sunlight.
▪ glisten literary to shine – used about wet or oily surfaces. Used especially when saying that someone’s eyes are full of tears, or someone’s skin is covered in sweat:
As they were leaving, her eyes glistened with tears.
|
His forehead was glistening with sweat.
|
The wet chairs glistened in the afternoon sun.
▪ catch the light if something catches the light, it shines because it is reflecting light:
Her diamond ring caught the light.
II. sparkle 2 BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
1 . a bright shiny appearance, with small points of flashing light:
the sparkle of the diamonds
2 . a quality that makes something or someone seem interesting and full of life:
the sparkle and zest of a live performance
3 . if someone has a sparkle in their eyes, their eyes seem to shine, and you can see a feeling in them, especially happiness or excitement:
There was a sparkle of fun in her brown eyes.