Shimmered
/ˈʃɪmərd/
verbB2past tense
Definition
Shimmered describes a gentle, soft light that moves or changes slightly. It is often used to talk about light that is not bright or strong but looks like it is shaking or flickering in a smooth way. For example, sunlight on water or a small light in the dark can shimmer.
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See It in Action
To shine with a soft, moving light
- •The lake shimmered under the moonlight.
- •Her silver dress shimmered as she walked across the room.
- •The stars shimmered faintly in the clear night sky.
To appear or seem to move slightly with light or color
- •The heat made the road shimmer in the distance.
- •The surface of the water shimmered in the sunlight.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "shimmered" like "shined," but the light is soft and moving, not strong or steady.
- ✓Picture the sun's light on a calm lake, where the light looks like tiny waves moving gently.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see something beautiful and calm, like stars twinkling softly in the night sky.
- ✓Sounds like "SHIM-mered" → imagine a shiny, shimmering dress that moves and shines softly when you walk.
- ✓In stories, shimmered often describes magical or peaceful scenes, like fairy lights or a quiet morning.
- ✓NOT like "glow" (which is steady and soft light), shimmered is light that moves or changes slightly.
- ✓NOT like "flash" (which is quick and bright), shimmered is slow and gentle light movement.
- ✓NOT like "sparkle" (sharp and bright points of light), shimmered is smooth and soft light.
Try Other Words
- •Glow: soft steady light (Use when the light is constant and not moving)
- •Sparkle: bright points of light (Use when light is sharp and quick, like stars or diamonds)
- •Twinkle: small, quick flashes of light (Use when light flashes on and off quickly)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "shimmer" + past tense suffix "-ed"
- •Etymology: "shimmer" comes from Middle English, related to "shinen" (to shine), meaning to shine with a flickering or wavering light
- •Historical development: Used since the 16th century to describe soft, moving light or color
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in literature and everyday speech to describe gentle, moving light or the effect of light on surfaces
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of things in nature shimmer, and why do you think this effect is special or beautiful?
•How can the word "shimmered" help you describe feelings or moods in stories or poems?
Fill in the blanks
1.The lake shimmered because the moonlight ___ on the small waves.
2.When she moved, her dress shimmered ___ the soft light in the room.
3.Unlike a bright light, the stars shimmered ___ and gently in the night sky.
4.The heat made the road shimmer in the distance, making it look like it was ___.
5.The candlelight shimmered ___ on the walls, creating a calm and warm feeling.
6.When the sunlight hit the water, it shimmered ___ as if it was alive.
7.The soft light shimmered ___, not strong or flashing, but smooth and calm.