Part 5
Could someone please proofread my vocabulary flashcards? It shouldn't take too much time for a native English speaker, and I can't proofread the sentences myself.
Please suggest better alternatives for the sentences that don't seem right. I really need to learn this vocabulary for university.
Thank you!
GLEAM (v.i. & n.) A constant light, often reflection from dark surface. Thus,
when reflected it gives the impression of coming from below the surface, as for example from a well-waxed object - shoes, a car, polished wood.
This adds a connotation of richness to the description.
a) The lights of the house gleamed in the distance.
The moon gleamed through the clouds.
b) A gleaming Rolls-Royce purred by. (What does purred by mean? That the Rolls Royce is coming towards us?)
As he came into the candlelit dining-room his attention was
caught by the gleaming silverware, the gleam of mahogany,
and the gleaming eyes of the cat.
The moonlight gleamed on the quiet lake.
COMPARE:
The sunlight SPARKLED on the water (the water is moving - as
when there is a light wind on the lake).
The moonlight gleamed on the water (the water is still - and
dark).
Her hair SHONE in the sunlight.
Her hair gleamed like a gold helmet.
As she turned her head, flecks of gold GLINTED in her brown hair. (What does this mean?)
The gleaming Rolls- Royce.
The SHINY cheap model from Detroit. (SHINY always has con-
notation of cheap quality.)
The SHINING new car (brilliant surface lustre - without the positive attribution of quality and price implicit in gleaming).
IDIOMATIC
His little eyes gleamed with malice (really malicious. not teasing).
His eyes gleamed with amusement. (Disagreeable amusement.
Cf. the gleaming smile of the crocodile.)
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