What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brilliant
Example
The fireworks display was absolutely brilliant, lighting up the night sky. [brilliant: adjective]
Example
She is a brilliant scientist, making groundbreaking discoveries in her field. [brilliant: adjective]
shining
Example
The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the beach. [shining: verb]
Example
He is a shining example of hard work and dedication. [shining: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shining is more commonly used than brilliant in everyday language. Shining is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while brilliant is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brilliant and shining?
While brilliant is typically associated with a formal and sophisticated tone, shining is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
