Shimmering vs. Sparkling — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Shimmering and Sparkling
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Definitions
Shimmering
To shine with a subdued flickering light
Fireflies shimmered in the night sky.
Sparkling
To give off sparks.
Shimmering
To be reflected as a subdued, flickering light
The moon shimmered on the pond's surface.
Sparkling
To give off or reflect flashes of light; glitter
"The night seemed very large and still, and the stars sparkled like frost in the black sky" (Laura Ingalls Wilder). "The diamonds sparkled in a sunset ray that came through the slats of the shutters" (Edith Wharton).
Shimmering
A flickering or tremulous light; a glimmer.
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Sparkling
To be reflected in small flashes of light
"The light of the rising moon sparkled on the sea" (Arthur C. Clarke).
Shimmering
Present participle of shimmer
Sparkling
To be brilliant in performance.
Shimmering
A gleam or glimmer.
Sparkling
To make or contain witty or intelligently lively remarks
Their conversation sparkled all evening.
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Shimmering
A gleam or glimmering.
Sparkling
To release gas bubbles; effervesce
Champagne sparkles.
Sparkling
A small spark or gleaming particle.
Sparkling
A glittering quality.
Sparkling
Brilliant animation; vivacity.
Sparkling
Emission of gas bubbles; effervescence.
Sparkling
Of an object, reflecting light as if giving off tiny sparks or flashes of light.
Sparkling
Of a beverage, especially an alcoholic beverage, containing dissolved carbon dioxide (either naturally or that has been added) that comes out of solution in the form of many tiny bubbles.
Sparkling
(figurative) Brilliant and vivacious.
Sparkling
Act or appearance of something that sparkles; a sparkle; a gleam.
Sparkling
A sparkling wine.
Sparkling
Emitting sparks; glittering; flashing; brilliant; lively; as, sparkling wine; sparkling eyes.
Sparkling
A rapid change in brightness; a brief spark or flash
Sparkling
Shining with brilliant points of light like stars;
Sparkling snow
Sparkling eyes
Sparkling
Marked by high spirits or excitement;
His fertile effervescent mind
Scintillating personality
Sparkling conversation
A row of sparkly cheerleaders
Sparkling
Used of wines and waters; charged naturally or artificially with carbon dioxide;
Sparkling wines
Sparkling water
Sparkling
Having brief brilliant points or flashes of light;
Bugle beads all aglitter
Glinting eyes
Glinting water
His glittering eyes were cold and malevolent
Shop window full of glittering Christmas trees
Glittery costume jewelry
Scintillant mica
The scintillating stars
A dress with sparkly sequins
`glistering' is an archaic term
