English - Hungarian

glint

gb/ɡlˈɪnt/ us/ɡlˈɪnt/
B2 English
csillanás, fénycsillanás, megcsillan, árnyalat, megvillan
NOUN B2
1
Usage pattern:
a glint of [light] / a glint from [surface]
A glint of sunlight bounced off the car’s windshield.
A napfény egy pillanatra megcsillant az autó szélvédőjén.
She noticed a glint of silver under the couch.
Észrevett egy ezüstös csillanást a kanapé alatt.
There was a brief glint on the surface of the lake.
Learner examples
I saw a glint of light in the distance.
A távolban egy fénycsillanást láttam.
The ring gave a small glint.
A gyűrű egy pillanatra megcsillant.
Common mistake:
Learners may use glitter (many small lights) when glint is usually just a brief single flash.
Meaning
a small quick flash of light
Collocations
a glint of sunlight |a glint of light |a faint glint |a sudden glint |a metallic glint |catch a glint |a glint on the water |a glint from a window |a glint from a blade |a glint of gold
Synonyms
gleam (Often longer-lasting and smoother than a glint.) | flash (Usually stronger or more sudden than a glint.) | sparkle (Often repeated or many small points of light.)
Antonyms
dullness (Lack of brightness or shine.) | dimness (Low light, not flashing or bright.)
Themes
nature |visuals |materials
Definition

a quick, small bright light you see for a moment

a small, quick flash of light, especially one reflected from a shiny surface

VERB B2
2
Usage pattern:
[something] glints (in/under) [light] / glint off [surface]
Broken glass glinted on the sidewalk.
A törött üveg meg-megcsillant a járdán.
The knife glinted as he lifted it into the light.
A kés megcsillant, ahogy a fénybe emelte.
A far-off lake glinted between the hills.
Learner examples
The snow glinted in the sun.
A hó megcsillant a napsütésben.
Her necklace glinted under the lamp.
A nyaklánca megcsillant a lámpafényben.
Common mistake:
Glint is usually brief and sharp; glisten suggests a wetter, softer shine.
Meaning
to shine briefly and brightly
Collocations
glint in the sun |glint in the light |glint off the water |glint off metal |glint from a window |glint through the trees |glint faintly |glint briefly |glint sharply |glint against the dark
Synonyms
gleam (More steady than glint.) | sparkle (Often repeated or twinkling rather than a single flash.) | shine (More general and not necessarily brief.)
Antonyms
dull (To become or seem less shiny.) | fade (To grow weaker in brightness.)
Themes
nature |visuals |materials
Definition

to shine for a moment with a small bright light

to produce small, quick flashes of light, especially by reflecting light from a shiny surface

NOUN C1
3
Usage pattern:
a glint of [emotion/quality]
There was a glint of amusement in her voice.
Enyhe derű csengett a hangjában.
He answered with a glint of irritation.
Válaszában enyhe ingerültség érződött.
For a moment, a glint of hope crossed his face.
Learner examples
I heard a glint of anger in his reply.
Enyhe dühöt hallottam ki a válaszából.
She spoke with a glint of humor.
Beszédében finom humor érződött.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'hint' where glint specifically suggests a quick, lively sign (often linked to the eyes).
Meaning
a small sign of a feeling
Collocations
a glint of hope |a glint of humor |a glint of mischief |a glint of anger |a glint of excitement |a glint of recognition |a glint of sarcasm |a glint of pride |a glint in his voice |a glint in her eyes
Synonyms
hint (More general; not necessarily sudden or bright.) | trace (Often weaker and more lingering than a glint.) | spark (Suggests energy or sudden start, similar but less tied to perception.)
Antonyms
blankness (No visible feeling or interest.) | apathy (Lack of feeling or enthusiasm.)
Themes
emotions |communication |people
Definition

a small, brief sign that someone feels something

a slight, brief sign of a particular feeling or quality, often noticed in someone’s eyes, voice, or words

VERB C1
4
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s eyes glint (with) [emotion]
Her eyes glinted with mischief as she planned the surprise.
Pajkosan megvillant a szeme, miközben a meglepetést tervezte.
His eyes glinted angrily when he heard the accusation.
Dühösen megvillant a szeme, amikor meghallotta a vádat.
The cat’s eyes glinted in the headlights.
Learner examples
His eyes glinted with excitement.
Izgatottan megvillant a szeme.
Common mistake:
Do not use glint to mean 'look quickly'; it describes the shine, not the movement.
Meaning
eyes shine, showing a feeling
Collocations
eyes glint |glint with mischief |glint with excitement |glint with anger |glint in the dark |glint behind glasses |glint under the streetlights |glint briefly |glint coldly |glint dangerously
Synonyms
sparkle (Often positive (happiness), less often threatening.) | gleam (Can be warmer or steadier than glint.)
Antonyms
dull (Eyes lack brightness or liveliness.) | cloud (Eyes lose clarity/brightness, often from sadness.)
Themes
emotions |body |people
Definition

when eyes shine in a way that shows a feeling

(of someone’s eyes) to shine briefly in a way that shows a particular feeling such as excitement, anger, or mischief

Grammar
Dictionary form
glint
IPA
GB/ɡlˈɪnt/
US/ɡlˈɪnt/
Syllables & stress
glint (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (glint)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: glint
  • Plural: glints
Verb
  • Base: glint
  • 3rd Person Singular: glints
  • Present Participle: glinting
  • Past: glinted
Word family
Forms
glints noun glinting verb glinted verb
Related words
gleam noun B1 sparkle noun B1 glitter noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
dull adjective A2
Advanced or less common
glinty adjective glimmer noun B2
Expressions

a glint in [someone]'s eye

1
/ə ɡlˈɪnt ˈɪn sˈoʊmˈoʊnz ˈaɪ/
idiom

a sign of playful intent

a look that shows someone is amused, interested, or planning something

Examples
  • With a glint in his eye, he said he had a secret to share.
  • She promised revenge, but there was a glint in her eye.
  • He asked the question with a glint in his eye, as if he already knew the answer.
Learner examples
  • He spoke with a glint in his eye.

catch a glint of [something]

1
/kˈæt͡ʃ ə ɡlˈɪnt əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase

notice a brief flash

to see a small bright light for a moment

Examples
  • I caught a glint of metal in the grass and went to investigate.
  • As the train passed, we caught a glint of the sea between the buildings.
  • She caught a glint of his watch as he raised his hand.
Learner examples
  • I caught a glint of light on the window.

with a glint of [emotion/quality]

1
/wˈɪθ ə ɡlˈɪnt əv ˈɛmˈoʊʃənkwˈɑlɪti/
fixed phrase

showing a slight feeling

showing a small amount of a feeling

Examples
  • He smiled with a glint of pride at the compliment.
  • She replied with a glint of sarcasm.
  • The apology came with a glint of resentment.
Learner examples
  • She spoke with a glint of humor.

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