Glitter vs. Sparkle: What's the Difference?
Table of Contents
Glitter
Glitter describes an assortment of small, reflective particles that come in a variety of shapes and colors. Glitter particles reflect light at different angles, causing the surface to sparkle or shimmer. Glitter is similar to confetti, sparkles, or sequins, but somewhat smaller.
Since prehistoric times, glitter has been made from many different materials including stones such as malachite, and mica, as well as insects and glass. Modern glitter is usually manufactured from plastic and is rarely recycled leading to calls from scientists for bans on plastic glitter.
Glitter (noun)
A bright, sparkling light; shininess or brilliance.
Glitter (noun)
A shiny, decorative adornment, sometimes sprinkled on glue to make simple artwork.
Glitter (noun)
Glitz.
Glitter (verb)
To sparkle with light; to shine with a brilliant and broken light or showy luster; to gleam.
“a glittering sword”
“the glittering ornaments on a Christmas tree”
Glitter (verb)
To be showy, specious, or striking, and hence attractive.
“the glittering scenes of a court”
Sparkle (noun)
A little spark; a scintillation.
Sparkle (noun)
Brilliance; luster.
“the sparkle of a diamond”
Sparkle (noun)
Liveliness; vivacity.
“the sparkle of his conversation over dinner”
Sparkle (noun)
The quality of being sparkling or fizzy; effervescence.
Sparkle (verb)
To emit sparks; to throw off ignited or incandescent particles
“The wood was sparkling in the bonfire.”
Sparkle (verb)
To shine as if throwing off sparks; to emit flashes of light; to scintillate; to twinkle
“The stars sparkle in the sky.”
Sparkle (verb)
To manifest itself by, or as if by, emitting sparks; to glisten; to flash.
Sparkle (verb)
To emit little bubbles, as certain kinds of liquors; to effervesce
“sparkling wine”
“sparkling water”
Sparkle (verb)
To emit in the form or likeness of sparks.
Sparkle (verb)
To disperse.
Sparkle (verb)
To scatter on or over.
Sparkle (verb)
shine brightly with flashes of light
“her earrings sparkled as she turned her head”
Sparkle (verb)
be vivacious and witty
“after a glass of wine, she began to sparkle”
Sparkle (noun)
a glittering flash of light
“there was a sparkle in his eyes”
Sparkle (noun)
vivacity and wit
“she’s got a kind of sparkle”
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