Shining means very bright, like the sun. Think of a lamp that is on. It is giving light, so it is shining.
It can also mean very good. If you do something great, you are shining.
When something is shining, it means it's very bright and giving off light, like the sun or a polished window. Think of a clean car in the sunshine – it's shining!
It can also mean someone is doing very, very well. If a student gets all the answers right, we can say they had a shining performance. So, shining means bright or excellent.
shining in 30 Sekunden
- bright
- gleaming
- excellent
§ Understanding 'Shining' as an Adjective
The word 'shining' is primarily used as an adjective, describing a noun. It can directly precede the noun it modifies, or it can follow a linking verb such as 'is', 'are', 'was', 'were', 'becomes', or 'seems'.
The shining stars lit up the night sky.
Her smile was shining brightly.
§ Common Prepositions with 'Shining'
While 'shining' itself doesn't directly take prepositions in the same way verbs do, the context in which it's used might involve prepositions to provide more detail about the light source or the object being described.
- Shining with: This preposition is often used when describing something that is emitting light strongly, or when a quality is particularly evident.
The trophy was shining with pride after their victory.
His eyes were shining with excitement.
- Shining brightly: While 'brightly' is an adverb modifying 'shining', this common phrase emphasizes the intensity of the light.
The moon was shining brightly through the clouds.
- Shining from: This can indicate the source of the light.
A faint light was shining from the window.
§ 'Shining' in Figurative Language
Beyond its literal meaning, 'shining' is often used to describe excellence or outstanding qualities. In these cases, it functions similarly to other descriptive adjectives.
She delivered a truly shining performance on stage.
His academic record is a shining example for his peers.
- DEFINITION
- Giving off or reflecting light; bright or gleaming. It can also describe someone or something that is excellent, outstanding, or displays great talent.
Understanding 'shining' as an adjective, whether literal or figurative, allows for a rich and varied use in your English vocabulary. Pay attention to the context to grasp its exact nuance.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Common word, but understanding the nuanced second definition might require context.
Straightforward to use in basic sentences, more complex usage for the figurative meaning requires precision.
Easy to pronounce. Using it in conversation, especially with its figurative meaning, requires confident vocabulary.
Clear pronunciation. Understanding context is key to differentiate between literal and figurative uses.
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Listen for the word that describes the sun.
How was her smile?
Listen for the word that describes his personality.
Read this aloud:
The stars are shining.
Focus: shining
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Read this aloud:
She wore a shining dress.
Focus: dress
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Read this aloud:
He is a shining example.
Focus: example
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Write a short sentence describing something bright you see every day.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The sun is shining in the sky.
Complete the sentence: My new shoes are very ___.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My new shoes are very shining.
Write a sentence using the word 'shining' to describe a star.
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Sample answer
The star is shining at night.
What is shining in the sky?
Read this passage:
Look at the window. The sun is shining today. It is a beautiful day. I like to play outside when the sun is shining.
What is shining in the sky?
The passage states, 'The sun is shining today.'
The passage states, 'The sun is shining today.'
What is shining on my mom's finger?
Read this passage:
My mom has a new ring. It is very beautiful. The ring is shining on her finger. I like to look at it.
What is shining on my mom's finger?
The passage says, 'The ring is shining on her finger.'
The passage says, 'The ring is shining on her finger.'
What are shining in the dark?
Read this passage:
The cat's eyes are shining in the dark. It is a little bit scary. But the cat is friendly. It wants to play.
What are shining in the dark?
The passage states, 'The cat's eyes are shining in the dark.'
The passage states, 'The cat's eyes are shining in the dark.'
The sun is ___ today, making the whole park bright.
The sun gives off light, so 'shining' is the correct word to describe it.
Her new shoes were so ___ that I could see my face in them.
Something that is very reflective, like new shoes, can be described as 'shining'.
The ___ star was easy to see in the night sky.
Stars give off light, so 'shining' is the correct adjective to describe them.
He gave a ___ performance in the play; everyone clapped loudly.
'Shining' can describe someone or something that is excellent or outstanding, like a performance.
The little girl's eyes were ___ with happiness.
When someone is happy or excited, their eyes can appear bright or 'shining'.
We saw the ___ lights of the city from the top of the hill.
City lights give off light, so 'shining' is the correct word to describe them.
The sun is so ______ today!
The sun gives off light, so 'shining' is the correct word.
Her new shoes are very ______.
Something new can be bright and gleaming, so 'shining' fits.
The boy has a ______ smile.
A 'shining' smile suggests a bright and happy expression.
A 'shining' star means it is giving off light.
Stars give off light, so 'shining' describes them correctly.
If something is 'shining', it is always very dark.
'Shining' means bright, which is the opposite of dark.
A 'shining' example means someone is a bad person.
A 'shining example' means someone is excellent or outstanding, not bad.
Listen for how the sun is described.
Consider what kind of performance would earn an ovation.
What kind of example inspires others?
Read this aloud:
The knight's armor was shining in the sunlight.
Focus: /ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/
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Read this aloud:
She has a shining personality that lights up every room she enters.
Focus: /pɜːrsəˈnæləti/
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Read this aloud:
His future looks very shining after getting accepted into his dream university.
Focus: /ˈfjuːtʃər/
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This sentence describes eyes that are reflecting light, which is a direct meaning of 'shining.'
Here, 'shining' is used to describe outstanding talent, showcasing the metaphorical meaning of the word.
This sentence uses 'shining' to describe a positive and outstanding quality, optimism, that persists even in difficult situations.
After years of meticulous research, her groundbreaking discovery was a truly ______ moment in the field of quantum physics.
In this context, 'shining' refers to something outstanding or excellent, perfectly describing a groundbreaking discovery in a highly advanced field like quantum physics.
Despite the relentless criticism, her unwavering resolve and ______ intellect allowed her to emerge victorious.
'Shining' here emphasizes the exceptional quality and brilliance of her intellect, which was instrumental in her success against adversity.
The newly restored antique chandelier, with its countless facets, cast a ______ glow across the grand ballroom.
'Shining' accurately describes the bright, gleaming light reflected by the chandelier's facets, creating a splendid ambiance in the ballroom.
A 'shining example' implies a negative or undesirable role model.
A 'shining example' universally denotes an outstanding, positive, and admirable role model, directly contradicting the statement.
If someone describes a performance as 'shining,' they are typically suggesting it was mediocre.
Describing a performance as 'shining' means it was excellent, brilliant, and exceptional, the opposite of mediocre.
The phrase 'shining armor' traditionally refers to a metaphorical defense against criticism.
While 'shining armor' is often metaphorical, it traditionally refers to the idealized image of a heroic figure, a 'knight in shining armor,' who protects or rescues, not specifically a defense against criticism.
This sentence correctly orders the words to form a coherent statement about the manager's reputation.
The words are arranged to create a sentence emphasizing the resilience and positive nature of 'her spirit'.
This sentence correctly uses 'shining example' to describe the architect's impressive creation.
/ 48 correct
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Summary
Shining means either giving off light or being outstanding.
- bright
- gleaming
- excellent
