shine
13 synonyms and 6 antonyms for shine, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To give off or reflect light brightly.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use shine
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English sċīnan ("to shine, to be resplendent"), a very old Germanic word still recognisable in Dutch schijnen and German scheinen.
Full origin of shine →Frequently asked questions
What does “shine” mean?
The word “shine” means to give off or reflect light brightly. In plain terms, to give off light or a glossy brightness — or, figuratively, to excel or stand out.
How do you pronounce “shine”?
“Shine” is pronounced shyn (/ʃaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “shine” in a sentence?
Here is “shine” used in a sentence: “The car had a real shine after being waxed.”
What is another word for “shine”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shine” include beam, beshine, glow, gleam, illuminate and illumine.
What is the opposite of “shine”?
The opposite of “shine” — its antonyms — are adumbrate, darken, obscure, shade and overshadow.
What part of speech is “shine”?
Depending on how it is used, “shine” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “shine” come from?
The word “shine” comes from Old English. From Old English sċīnan ("to shine, to be resplendent"), a very old Germanic word still recognisable in Dutch schijnen and German scheinen.
Is “shine” a common word?
“Shine” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between shine and glow?
To shine is to give off or reflect bright light, often with intensity or brilliance. To glow is to give off a softer, steady light or warmth, usually without a sharp brightness.
What is the difference between shine and shimmer?
Shine means to give off or reflect light brightly and steadily. Shimmer means to shine with a soft, wavering, or flickering light, as light does on the surface of moving water.
What is the difference between shined and shone?
Use shone as the past tense when shine means to give off light, as in the sun shone. Use shined when it means to polish, as in he shined his shoes. Usage varies, but this distinction is common.