shine

To give out light or look bright because light falls on it.

• The sun is shining.
• Her silver ring shone in the light.
• Will the stars shine tonight?

How to use it: shine through something (The sun shone through the window.)

Similar words: glow, gleam

Common phrases: shine brightly, shine through something, shine in sunlight

To do something extremely well and receive attention or praise for it.

• She shines on stage.
• He really shone in yesterday’s match.
• This project gives younger staff a chance to shine.

How to use it: shine at something (She shines at sports.); shine in something (He shone in his first major role.)

Similar words: excel, stand out

Common phrases: shine on stage, shine at something

To point a lamp or another light at something so you can see it.

• Shine the light here, please.
• He shone his torch into the cave.
• Do not shine that flashlight in my eyes.

How to use it: shine something on something (Shine your torch on the lock.); shine something into something (She shone a flashlight into the cupboard.)

Similar words: aim, direct

Common phrases: shine a light, shine a torch

To show your good qualities clearly so that other people notice them.

• Her kindness shines through.
• His gentle character shone during the difficult days.
• She shines with confidence when she talks to children.

How to use it: shine through (Her warmth shines through whenever she speaks.); shine with something (His face shone with kindness.)

Similar words: radiate

Common phrases: shine through, shine with kindness

To make hidden facts or a poorly understood subject easier for people to understand.

• This study shines a light on the problem.
• Her book shone a light on forgotten artists.
• The investigation has shone new light on the company’s finances.

How to use it: shine a light on something (The report shines a light on poor working conditions.)

Similar words: reveal, illuminate, clarify

Common phrases: shine a light, shine light on

To rub an object until its surface is smooth and bright.

• I need to shine my shoes.
• He shined his boots before the ceremony.
• Have you shined the silver cups yet?

Similar words: polish, buff

Common phrases: shine your shoes, shine leather boots

The bright appearance of a surface that sends back light.

• Her hair has a lovely shine.
• I polished the table to a high shine.
• The shine from the water hurt my eyes.

Similar words: gloss, sheen, lustre

Opposites: dullness

Common phrases: a healthy shine, a bright shine, give something shine

The quality that makes something seem attractive, special, or worth having.

• The idea soon lost its shine.
• Nothing could take the shine off her achievement.
• The job’s shine faded after a few difficult weeks.

How to use it: take the shine off something (The injury took the shine off our victory.)

Similar words: appeal, glamour

Common phrases: lose its shine, take the shine