What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shimmery
Example
The shimmery dress caught the light and sparkled beautifully. [shimmery: adjective]
Example
The water in the pool looked shimmery under the bright sun. [shimmery: adjective]
gleaming
Example
The gleaming diamond on her finger caught everyone's attention. [gleaming: adjective]
Example
The car was gleaming after being washed and waxed. [gleaming: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gleaming is more commonly used than shimmery in everyday language. Gleaming is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shimmery is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as describing fabrics or materials.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shimmery and gleaming?
Both shimmery and gleaming can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but gleaming may be slightly more formal due to its stronger connotation.