glister: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowArchaic or literary
Quick answer
What does “glister” mean?
(verb) to sparkle with light, especially with reflected light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(verb) to sparkle with light, especially with reflected light; (noun) a sparkle or glitter.
(verb) to be superficially attractive or brilliant in a showy way; (noun) a superficial or deceptive brilliance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is extremely rare in both varieties. It may appear slightly more in UK contexts due to a stronger tradition of studying Shakespeare.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is of poetic antiquity. It is often recognised from the Shakespearean phrase.
Frequency
Virtually unused in modern speech or writing except in deliberate literary or historical reference.
Grammar
How to Use “glister” in a Sentence
[S] + glister (+ [A])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glister” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The medieval coins still glister faintly in the museum case.
American English
- Fool's gold may glister, but it's worthless.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as a standalone adjective.
American English
- Not used as a standalone adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used only in metaphorical or proverbial warnings about deceptive appearances.
Academic
Used only in literary analysis, particularly of Renaissance literature.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glister”
- Using it in modern, non-literary contexts.
- Confusing it with the more common 'glisten' (which implies wetness).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in meaning. 'Glister' is an archaic or poetic synonym for 'glitter'.
No. 'Glisten' typically means to shine with a sparkling light reflected from a wet or oily surface. 'Glister' simply means to sparkle or glitter.
Only for a specific literary, poetic, or rhetorical effect. In normal usage, 'glitter', 'sparkle', or 'gleam' are the correct choices.
It originates from William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice' (Act II, Scene VII).
(verb) to sparkle with light, especially with reflected light.
Glister is usually archaic or literary in register.
Glister: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɪstə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɪstər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All that glisters is not gold.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Glisten' + 'Glitter'. 'Glister' is their archaic cousin, lost in a Shakespearean mystery.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIGHTNESS IS VALUE / APPEARANCE IS DECEPTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'glister' be most appropriately used today?