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Alight vs Shining - What's the difference?

alight | shining | Related terms |

Alight is a related term of shining.


As verbs the difference between alight and shining

is that alight is to make light or less heavy; lighten; alleviate or alight can be (with from) to spring down, get down, or descend, as from on horseback or from a carriage; to dismount or alight can be to light; light up; illuminate while shining is .

As adjectives the difference between alight and shining

is that alight is lit, on fire, switched on while shining is emitting light.

As a noun shining is

a bright emission of light; a gleam.

alight

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) alighten, from (etyl) .

Verb

(en verb)
  • To make light or less heavy; lighten; alleviate.
  • Etymology 2

    From (etyl) alighten, from (etyl) .

    Verb

  • (with from) To spring down, get down, or descend, as from on horseback or from a carriage; to dismount.
  • Passengers are alighting from the carriage
  • (with on) To descend and settle, lodge, rest, or stop.
  • A flying bird alights on a tree
    Snow alights on a roof .
  • To come or chance (upon).
  • Etymology 3

    From (etyl) alighten, from (etyl) .

    Verb

  • To light; light up; illuminate.
  • To set light to; light.
  • Etymology 4

    From (etyl) alight, from (etyl) *. See above.

    Alternative forms

    *

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Lit, on fire, switched on.
  • The sticks were damp and wouldn't catch alight .
  • (figuratively) Lit; on fire, burning.
  • Her face was alight with happiness.
    Usage notes
    Used only as a predicative.

    shining

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Emitting light.
  • *
  • , title= Mr. Pratt's Patients, chapter=1 , passage='Twas early June, the new grass was flourishing everywheres, the posies in the yard—peonies and such—in full bloom, the sun was shining , and the water of the bay was blue, with light green streaks where the shoal showed.}}
  • Reflecting light.
  • Having a high polish or sheen.
  • Having exceptional merit.
  • Verb

    (head)
  • Noun

    (en noun)
  • A bright emission of light; a gleam.