glint
B2-C1Neutral to literary; common in descriptive writing and conversation.
Definition
Meaning
A very brief flash of light reflected from a smooth or shiny surface.
A small, brief, and often indirect sign or trace of a particular quality, emotion, or intention.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always refers to a quick, sharp, and often small reflection. The extended meaning is metaphorical, suggesting something glimpsed briefly or indirectly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The word is common in both varieties.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Slightly higher relative frequency in British English, but commonly used in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Something glintsSomething glints in/with somethingThere was a glint of something (e.g., mischief, steel, light) in his eyes.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A glint in one's eye (a look that shows a particular emotion, especially amusement or mischief, or a sign of a future idea/plan).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical, e.g., 'a glint of optimism in the market report.'
Academic
Uncommon in formal text. Used in literary analysis or descriptive passages.
Everyday
Common for describing reflections from jewellery, eyes, water, metal.
Technical
Used in optics/photography (e.g., 'lens glint,' 'specular glint').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The brass ornaments glinted dully in the firelight.
- Sunlight glinted off the wet pavement after the rain.
American English
- His watch glinted in the sun as he gestured.
- The knife blade glinted menacingly in the dim light.
adverb
British English
- N/A. 'Glintingly' is non-standard and extremely rare.
American English
- N/A. 'Glintingly' is non-standard and extremely rare.
adjective
British English
- N/A. 'Glinting' is the present participle adjective, e.g., 'glinting eyes'.
American English
- N/A. 'Glinting' is the present participle adjective, e.g., 'glinting steel'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a glint of light on the water.
- Her ring had a pretty glint.
- The cat's eyes had a green glint in the dark.
- A glint of metal caught my attention on the forest floor.
- He spoke with a mischievous glint in his eye.
- The report offered the first glint of hope for a peaceful solution.
- The film captures the steely glint of ambition in the politician's gaze.
- Beneath his jovial exterior, there was a dangerous glint of fanaticism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'GLINT' as a GLimpse of INTense light.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/EMOTIONS ARE LIGHT SOURCES ('a glint of intelligence').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не является синонимом "сверкать" в значении длительного действия (как 'sparkle' или 'shine'). Обозначает именно короткую вспышку, блик. Русский "блеск" шире, чем 'glint'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for a sustained shine (use 'shine' or 'gleam' instead). Using as a direct synonym for 'sparkle' (which implies multiple glints).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these best describes a 'glint'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Glint' is quick and sharp, often from a hard surface. 'Gleam' is a steadier, softer, and often cleaner light. 'Glimmer' is faint, unsteady, and often implies a source of light struggling to be seen.
Yes, commonly. E.g., 'The metal glinted in the sun.' It is an intransitive verb.
It is neutral; context defines it. It can be mischievous, amorous, dangerous, or simply indicate a lively idea.
It is neutral but leans slightly literary. It is perfectly acceptable in standard written and spoken English.