B1verb1K

Shine

UK /["/ʃaɪn/","/ʃaɪnd/","/ʃaɪnz/","/ʃɒn/","/ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/"]/US /["/ʃaɪn/","/ʃaɪnd/","/ʃaɪnz/","/ʃəʊn/","/ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to produce or reflect light; to be bright

In simple words: to give off light or to be bright

Examples

  • The sun will shine brightly tomorrow, bringing warmth to everyone.
  • She loves to shine her shoes until they are spotless.
  • His talent for music started to shine through during the concert.
  • The polished floors began to shine after a good cleaning.
  • She decided to shine a light on the issue to raise awareness.

Usage notes

Use 'shine' in contexts where something reflects light or is bright. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English. Avoid using in overly formal contexts, as alternatives like 'illuminate' may be more suitable.

Grammar pattern

shine + object

Memory hint

Think of a bright sun that shines in the sky!

Collocations

  • brightly
  • brilliantly
  • faintly
  • seem to
  • make something
  • at
  • from
  • in
  • brightly
  • brilliantly
  • faintly
  • seem to
  • make something
  • at
  • from
  • in

Synonyms

  • glow
  • radiate
  • gleam
  • luster
  • beam

Antonyms

  • dull
  • darken
  • fade

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'shine' with 'shone' in past tense
  • 'Shine' can be used transitively; learners often forget to include an object
  • Using 'shine' in an incorrect form, e.g., 'shining' instead of 'shine' in certain sentences