English vocabulary · B2
Glisten
/ˈɡlɪs.ən/ · v.
Glisten means look bright with tiny spots of light, often after rain. A wet leaf can glisten in the sun.
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Example sentences
- Rain drops glistened on the leaf.
- Her eyes glistened with happy tears.
Word origin and roots
from Old English
- glis — bright (from Old English)
Synonyms and nuances
- SHINE — give off bright light (Give Off Bright Light)
- SPARKLE — flash with tiny lights (Flash With Tiny Lights)
- GLEAM — soft bright light (Show A Soft Bright Light)
Similar words
- shimmer
- sparkle
- gleam
Lesson notes
Glisten means look bright with tiny spots of light, often after rain. A wet leaf can glisten in the sun.
Related: shine, sparkle, gleam. Use glisten when a wet thing looks bright in the light.
Rain drops glistened on the leaf. Her eyes glistened with happy tears.
From Old English. Glis- means bright. Small wet lights make a leaf glisten.