What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glimmer
Example
The stars were just starting to glimmer in the night sky. [glimmer: verb]
Example
There was a glimmer of hope in her eyes when she heard the good news. [glimmer: noun]
shimmer
Example
The sun shimmered on the surface of the lake, creating a beautiful reflection. [shimmer: verb]
Example
Her dress had a beautiful shimmer to it under the lights. [shimmer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shimmer is more commonly used than glimmer in everyday language. Shimmer is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while glimmer is less common and often used in figurative language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between glimmer and shimmer?
Both glimmer and shimmer are relatively formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, shimmer may be more commonly used in fashion or beauty contexts, while glimmer may be more commonly used in literature or poetry.
