What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sunshine
Example
I love basking in the sunshine on a warm summer day. [sunshine: noun]
Example
She always brings sunshine into the room with her positive energy. [sunshine: metaphorical]
brightness
Example
The brightness of the room was overwhelming after we opened the curtains. [brightness: noun]
Example
Her smile added brightness to the otherwise gloomy day. [brightness: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brightness is more commonly used than sunshine in everyday language. Brightness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sunshine is less common and more specific in its meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sunshine and brightness?
Both sunshine and brightness are relatively informal words, but brightness can be used in more formal contexts due to its versatility as both a noun and an adjective.