Verb
/əˈɡlɪs.tən/
The verb "aglisten" means to shine or sparkle, often used to describe something that glistens or shimmers, typically due to the reflection of light on a wet or lustrous surface. This word carries a poetic or literary vibe and is not as commonly used in everyday conversation. However, it finds more frequent usage in written contexts, particularly in descriptive literature, poetry, or art criticism.
"Aglisten" is relatively infrequent in general English usage compared to more straightforward synonyms like "shine" or "sparkle." Its use is more prominent in written works than in spoken language.
The morning dew on the grass will aglisten in the sunlight.
(The morning dew on the grass will sparkle in the sunlight.)
Her eyes seemed to aglisten with excitement when she received the news.
(Her eyes seemed to sparkle with excitement when she received the news.)
The lake would aglisten under the moonlight, creating a beautiful sight.
(The lake would shine under the moonlight, creating a beautiful sight.)
While "aglisten" itself is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, the concept relates to several idioms that convey brightness or clarity. Below are some examples with translations:
The stars aglisten in the night sky, reminding us of our smallness in the universe.
(The stars sparkle in the night sky, reminding us of our smallness in the universe.)
Her dreams aglisten with hope, making her believe anything is possible.
(Her dreams shine with hope, making her believe anything is possible.)
The city aglistens after the rain, a breathtaking sight for all who see it.
(The city sparkles after the rain, a breathtaking sight for all who see it.)
The word "aglisten" originates from the combination of the prefix "a-" (meaning "to" or "in") and the root word "glisten," which itself derives from Middle English "glistnen," meaning to shine or sparkle. The root further traces back to Old English "glisnian," indicating a connection with light and reflection.
Synonyms: shine, sparkle, glimmer, glisten
Antonyms: dull, fade, tarnish, obscure