Shining vs. Shinning — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 8, 2023
"Shining" is commonly used to describe something that emits or reflects light. "Shinning" refers to climbing by gripping with the legs or the act of striking the shin.
Difference Between Shining and Shinning
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Key Differences
"Shining" is a term widely used to describe the emission or reflection of light, often in a bright and vivid manner. On the other hand, "shinning" is a less common term that typically refers to climbing, particularly by using the legs to grip onto a surface, or to the act of hitting someone's shin.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
In summary, "shining" and "shinning" may look similar and are sometimes confused due to their phonetic likeness, but they have vastly different meanings. One deals primarily with light and brilliance, and the other with a specific physical action involving the legs or shins.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
The word "shining" can also convey metaphoric meanings such as excelling in some area or demonstrating a particular skill or quality. "Shinning" doesn't really have metaphorical applications; it is much more literal and relates to a specific physical activity or action.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
"Shining" is the present participle of the verb "shine," and can also be used as an adjective. "Shinning" is the present participle of the verb "shin," which is much less commonly used in American English. However, both can be used as gerunds.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Definitions
Shining
Shining refers to emitting light.
The stars were shining brightly in the sky.
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Sep 08, 2023
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Shinning
Shinning refers to climbing by gripping with the legs.
He was shinning up the tree.
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Sep 08, 2023
Shining
Shining means reflecting light.
Her jewelry was shining in the sunlight.
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Sep 08, 2023
Shinning
Shinning denotes a bruise or wound on the shin.
He got a painful shinning while hiking.
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Sep 08, 2023
Shining
Shining can describe excelling or standing out.
He was the shining star of the team.
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Sep 08, 2023
Shinning
Shinning describes the act of scraping the shin.
She was shinning her leg against the rough bark.
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Sep 08, 2023
Shining
Shining can indicate being conspicuously brilliant.
The speech was a shining example of eloquence.
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Shinning
Shinning means striking the shin.
He was shinning the ball in soccer practice.
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Sep 08, 2023
Shining
Shining can signify being polished or smooth.
After hours of work, the floor was shining.
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Sep 08, 2023
Shinning
Shinning refers to moving quickly up or down.
He was shinning down the rope in the gym.
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Shining
Brilliant or excellent at something
He has set a shining example with his model behaviour
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May 06, 2018
Shinning
To climb (a rope or pole, for example) by gripping and pulling alternately with the hands and legs.
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May 06, 2018
Shining
Past tense and past participle shined To make glossy or bright by polishing.
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May 06, 2018
Shining
Emitting light, esp. in a continuous manner; radiant; as, shining lamps; also, bright by the reflection of light; as, shining armor.
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Shining
Splendid; illustrious; brilliant; distinguished; conspicious; as, a shining example of charity.
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Shining
Having the surface smooth and polished; - said of leaves, the surfaces of shells, etc.
True paradise . . . inclosed with shining rock.
Some in a brilliant buckle bind her waist,Some round her neck a circling light display.
His sparkling blade about his head he blest.
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Shining
The work of making something shine by polishing it;
The shining of shoes provided a meager living
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Shining
Marked by exceptional merit;
Had shining virtues and few faults
A shining example
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Shining
Made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow;
Bright silver candlesticks
A burnished brass knocker
She brushed her hair until it fell in lustrous auburn waves
Rows of shining glasses
Shiny black patents
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Shining
Abounding with sunlight;
A bright sunny day
One shining norming
When it is warm and shiny
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Shining
Reflecting light;
Glistening bodies of swimmers
The horse's glossy coat
Lustrous auburn hair
Saw the moon like a shiny dime on a deep blue velvet carpet
Shining white enamel
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May 06, 2018
FAQs
What does Shining mean?
Shining usually refers to emitting or reflecting light.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Does Shining have a metaphorical meaning?
Yes, it can signify excelling or standing out.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
What does Shinning mean?
Shinning primarily means climbing by gripping with the legs or hitting the shin.
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Sep 08, 2023
Is Shining the same as Shinning?
No, they have different meanings and uses.
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Sep 08, 2023
Can Shining and Shinning be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot be used interchangeably due to their distinct meanings.
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Sep 08, 2023
Is Shinning related to climbing or physical activity?
Yes, it mainly refers to climbing or hitting the shin.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Does Shinning have a metaphorical meaning?
No, it's generally used in a literal sense.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Is Shining related to light?
Yes, it primarily deals with light emission or reflection.
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Sep 08, 2023
Is Shinning commonly used?
No, it's less common and mainly used in specific contexts.
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Sep 08, 2023
Can Shinning refer to an injury?
Yes, it can refer to a bruise or wound on the shin.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.