What is glisten? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of glisten in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of glisten

glistenverb

Glisten

/ˈɡlɪsn//ˈɡlɪsn/

Where does the word glisten come from?

The word "glisten" comes from the Middle English verb "glesen," which meant "to shine brightly" or "to sparkle." This verb was likely derived from an Old Norse word, "gljósa," which had a similar meaning. The Old Norse word itself may have been derived from the Proto-Germanic root "glæzs-, gl Ist. Glazes," which referred to glittering, transparent substances such as glass or ice. The modern English word "glisten" is a descendant of the Middle English verb "glesen," and it is still used today to describe surfaces that seem to shine with a gentle, bright sheen, as if coated with tiny crystals.

Vocabulary summary glisten

typenoun

meaningsparkle, glitter

typejournalize

meaningshiny, sparkling

Example of vocabulary glistennamespace

  • The dew drops on the leaves glistened in the morning sunlight, adding a sparkling shine to the garden.
  • The surface of the ocean glimmered under the setting sun, with rays of golden light casting a reflection that glistened on the water.
  • The wet pavement glistened sleekly in the aftermath of the rainstorm, as if polished to a mirror-like finish.
  • The diamonds on her necklace glinted and glistened as she moved her head, catching the light in a dazzling display.
  • The frosted branches of the tree glimmered like freshly fallen snow, coated in a dewy sheen that made them seem almost magical.

Synonyms and related words for glisten

Idioms of vocabulary glisten

all that glitters/glistens/glisters is not gold
(saying)not everything that seems good, attractive, etc. is actually good, etc.

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