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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Flicker: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：shine unsteadily (flicker)

flicker 🔊

/ˈflɪkər/

n./vi.

to shine with a light that is not steady, like a candle in the wind or an old TV screen turning on.

Flicker meaning illustrated by a candle flame moving unsteadily in a dark room.

shine unsteadily 🔊

➕

/ʃaɪn ʌnˈstedɪli/

n./vi.

To emit light in a rapid and irregular manner, often due to external factors like wind or instability.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'flicorian', meaning to flutter or move quickly.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a candle flame that wavers – it flickers when unsteady.

📖 Example

The candle flickered in the drafty room, casting dancing shadows on the wall. 🔊 The candle emitted an unsteady light in the breezy room, creating moving shadows on the wall.

🔗 Collocations

flicker of light – a brief or unsteady emission of light

flicker out – to gradually stop shining or functioning

flicker on and off – to shine intermittently, turning on and off rapidly

🔄 Synonyms

glimmer (vi.) – to shine with a faint, wavering light

shimmer (vi.) – to shine with a soft, quivering light

flutter (vi.) – to move or shine with quick, irregular motions

🚫 Antonyms

glow (vi.) – to emit a steady, warm light

shine steadily (phrase) – to emit light in a constant and unchanging manner

🌱 Derivatives

flickering (adj.) – shining or appearing in an unsteady way

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'flicker' originates from Middle English 'flikeren', likely related to Old Norse 'flikra' (to flutter). It evolved to describe unsteady light or brief, fleeting appearances.

Meaning 2：appear briefly (flicker)

flicker 🔊

/ˈflɪkər/

n./vi.

to appear or be felt for a very short time, like a sudden thought, emotion, or expression.

Flicker definition shown by a fleeting expression on a person's thoughtful face.

appear briefly 🔊

➕

/əˈpɪər ˈbriːfli/

n./vi.

To occur or be perceived for a very short moment, such as a sudden thought, emotion, or expression.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

A smile flickered across her face when she remembered the happy memory, but it was gone in an instant. 🔊 A quick smile appeared on her face as she recalled the joyful memory, but it vanished immediately.

🔗 Collocations

flicker of hope – a brief and faint feeling of optimism

flicker of doubt – a momentary feeling of uncertainty

flicker across one's face – to briefly appear as an expression on someone's face

🔄 Synonyms

flash (vi.) – to appear or occur suddenly and briefly

glimpse (n.) – a very brief view or appearance

momentary (adj.) – lasting for a very short time

🚫 Antonyms

linger (vi.) – to remain present for a longer period

persist (vi.) – to continue to exist or occur over time