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Glitter: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：tiny shiny decorative particles (glitter)
glitter
/ˈɡlɪtər/
n.
Tiny, shiny pieces of plastic or metal used for decoration. They catch the light and look very sparkly.
tiny shiny decorative particles
➕
/ˈtaɪni ˈʃaɪni ˈdɛkərətɪv ˈpɑrtɪkəlz/
n.
Small, reflective pieces of material used to create a sparkling effect on surfaces.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old Norse 'glitra' (to glitter), related to Middle Low German 'glīteren'.
💡 Mnemonic
GLITTER = GLIMMER + LITTER. Imagine tiny pieces of litter (glitter) that glimmer.
📖 Example
She carefully sprinkled some glitter on the homemade birthday card to make it extra special.
She carefully sprinkled some tiny shiny decorative particles on the homemade birthday card to make it extra special.
🔗 Collocations
craft glitter – glitter specifically made for arts and crafts projects
glitter glue – an adhesive that contains glitter particles
shake off the glitter – to remove excess glitter from a surface
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
matte (adj.) – having a dull, non-reflective surface
🌱 Derivatives
glittery (adj.) – covered with or full of glitter; sparkling
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'glitter' entered English from Old Norse via Middle English. In modern culture, it is famously linked to the quote by Marilyn Monroe: "Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about." The metaphor of life having 'glitter' speaks to its transient, sparkling beauty. It's also heavily used in cosmetics, fashion, and party industries.
Meaning 2：superficial glamour or allure (glitter)
glitter
/ˈɡlɪtər/
n.
A shiny, attractive, and exciting appearance or quality, often used to describe something glamorous but perhaps not lasting.
superficial glamour or allure
➕
/ˌsupərˈfɪʃəl ˈɡlæmər ɔr əˈlʊr/
n.
A superficially attractive, exciting, and often glamorous quality that may not be substantial or lasting.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The glitter of the city's lights at night always makes visitors feel like they're in a dream.
The superficial glamour of the city's lights at night always makes visitors feel like they're in a dream.
🔗 Collocations
glitter and glamour – the combination of superficial sparkle and sophisticated appeal
all that glitters is not gold – a proverb meaning not everything that looks attractive is valuable
the glittering prize – a highly desirable but potentially hollow reward
🔄 Synonyms
glamour (n.) – an attractive or exciting quality that makes someone or something seem special
razzle-dazzle (n.) – a showy, exciting, and often deceptive display
pizzazz (n.) – an attractive combination of vitality and glamour
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