WordGarden.ioshine
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈaɪn/
US
- /ˈʃaɪn/
Meanings
Verb
to give off, reflect, or direct light
to perform very well or stand out positively
to polish or rub something until it looks glossy
Noun
brightness or a glossy luster
Beyond the definition
To shine means to give off bright light, like the sun or a polished surface. But it is more than just brightness. We also say people "shine" when they do very well, seem happy, or show great talent. A star shines in the night sky, and a talented musician might shine on stage.
Think about polishing silver: you want it to shine. Or think about someone who does really well at something; we often say they "shine" in their field. You can even shine shoes. The word also has a figurative meaning: "Her personality shines through" means her true self is clear and easy to notice.
The word "shine" most literally refers to giving off bright light, whether from a natural source like the sun or moon, or from something reflecting light, like polished metal or a clean window. For example, "The lighthouse beam shone brightly across the dark sea," or "The freshly waxed car shone in the sunlight."
However, "shine" extends beyond physical brightness to describe excellence and success. When someone is said to shine at something, it means they perform exceptionally well or stand out from others. "She really shone during her presentation," suggests she did a fantastic job.
Figuratively, shine can also refer to inner qualities like happiness, kindness, or confidence. "Her eyes shone with joy" describes someone radiating positive emotion. A person's character might shine through, meaning their true nature is evident and admirable.
The word is also connected to making something clean and bright, which is why we talk about shining shoes. It also appears in idioms like "let your light shine," which encourages people to express themselves openly and positively.
So, whether it is a literal glow, excellent performance, or inner warmth, to shine is to give a sense of brightness, strength, and positive feeling.
Examples
- 1
Weather
The sun was shining by the time we left the house.
- 2
Flashlight
Could you shine the flashlight under the bed?
- 3
Shoe care
He spent ten minutes shining his shoes before the interview.
- 4
Happy reaction
Her eyes shone when she saw the birthday cake.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Clean surface
The kitchen floor was so clean it seemed to shine.
- 6
Personal strength
She really shines when she talks about her work.
- 7
Opportunity
This is your chance to shine.
- Phrasechance to shine
chance to show how good you are
- 8
Hidden quality
His kindness shines through in the way he speaks to people.
- Phraseshine through
be easy to notice even if not said directly
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- shinenounverb
Forms
- shining-ing formverbnoun
- shinesverbnoun
- shonepast tensepast participleverbnoun
- shinedpast tenseverbnoun