shine
shyn
Shine (verb) means to give off or reflect light brightly. Example: “Stars shine more clearly when you are far from the city lights.”
verb
1
To give off or reflect light brightly.
"Stars shine more clearly when you are far from the city lights."
"The sun shone brightly over the valley."
"Her shoes were polished until they shone."
2
To perform exceptionally well or stand out.
"Some children shine in sport, while others shine in music or art."
"If you give him a chance, I think he will shine."
"She really shone during the interview."
3
To point a light source at something.
"Could you shine your phone at the lock so I can see the keyhole?"
"Please shine the torch over here so I can find my keys."
"He shone his torch into the dark cellar."
noun
1
Brightness or gloss, whether from a light source or a polished surface.
"The floor had a lovely shine after she mopped and buffed it."
"Rain gave the leaves a fresh shine in the morning light."
"The car had a real shine after being waxed."
How to use shine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo give off light or a glossy brightness — or, figuratively, to excel or stand out.
Common pairings
shine brightly
shine a light
let your talent shine
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Word forms
- Plural
- shines
- Third person singular
- shines
- Past tense
- shone, shined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Stars _____ more clearly when you are far from the city lights.
Etymology
From Old English sċīnan ("to shine, to be resplendent"), a very old Germanic word still recognisable in Dutch schijnen and German scheinen.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for shine
See all rhymes for 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.
