What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glint
Example
The diamond on her finger glinted in the sunlight. [glinted: past tense verb]
Example
I caught a glint of silver in the sand and realized it was a coin. [glint: noun]
shimmer
Example
The moonlight shimmered on the water, creating a beautiful scene. [shimmered: past tense verb]
Example
Her dress had a shimmering effect under the disco ball. [shimmering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shimmer is more commonly used than glint in everyday language. Shimmer is versatile and can be used to describe a wide range of visual effects, while glint is less common and often used to describe specific moments or objects.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between glint and shimmer?
Both glint and shimmer are relatively formal words, but shimmer may be considered slightly more formal due to its versatility and wider range of contexts.