sparkle etymology

Etymology

The word "sparkle" comes from the Middle English word "sparklen," which means "to emit sparks," and is ultimately derived from the Old English verb "sparcian," meaning "to scatter."

Meaning

• To emit or reflect bright, intermittent flashes of light.
• To shine or glisten with small, twinkling lights.
• To be lively, animated, or effervescent.
• To have a bright, cheerful, or lively appearance.

Origin

The word "sparkle" first appeared in the English language in the 13th century. It was originally used to describe the emission of sparks from a fire or other source of heat. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the reflection of light from anything that glittered or shone. By the 16th century, the word was also being used to describe a lively or effervescent personality.

Examples of Usage

• "The diamonds sparkled brightly against the black velvet."
• "The stars twinkled and sparkled in the night sky."
• "She had a lively, sparkling personality that always made people smile."
• "The city skyline sparkled with lights."

sparkle relate terms

• spark

  Etymology The word spark comes from the Old English word spearca meaning to scatter

• spark

  Etymology The word spark comes from the Old English word spearca meaning to scatter

• sparkling

  Etymology The word sparkling is derived from the Middle English adjective sparkand w

• sparkle

  Etymology The word sparkle comes from the Middle English word sparklen which means

• sparkler

  Etymology The word sparkler is derived from the Middle English word sparke meaning

• foam

  Etymology The word foam comes from the Old Norse word fóm which means foam or sc

• glitter

  Etymology The word glitter derives from the Old Norse word glitra meaning to shine

• burnish

  Etymology Old French burnir to polish brighten Latin burnia burnished armor Pr

• brilliant

  Etymology The word brilliant is derived from the Old French word brillant which in

• flame

  Etymology The word flame comes from the Old English word fleame which meant a smal

• darkling

  Etymology The word darkling is derived from the Old English word deorcung meaning h

• shine

  Etymology Old English scīnan verb Proto Germanic skīnanan verb Proto Indo Europe

• halter

  Etymology The word halter has multiple etymological origins Old English healftre

• lather

  Etymology Middle English lathren Old English liðre Proto Germanic _liðra_ Meani