What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
luminous
Example
The luminous stars shone brightly in the night sky. [luminous: adjective]
Example
The luminous dial on the watch made it easy to read the time in the dark. [luminous: adjective]
shining
Example
The shining sun reflected off the water, creating a beautiful sight. [shining: adjective]
Example
Her shining personality made her stand out in the crowd. [shining: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shining is more commonly used than luminous in everyday language. Shining is a more general term that can be used in many contexts, while luminous is more specific and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between luminous and shining?
Luminous is more formal than shining. It is often used in scientific or technical contexts, while shining can be used in both formal and informal contexts.