The difference between Brilliant and Shining

When used as nouns, brilliant means a finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to maximize light return through the top (called "table") of the stone, whereas shining means a bright emission of light.

When used as adjectives, brilliant means shining brightly, whereas shining means emitting light.

check bellow for the other definitions of Brilliant and Shining

  1. Brilliant as an adjective:

    Shining brightly.

    Examples:

    "the brilliant lights along the promenade"

  2. Brilliant as an adjective (of a colour):

    Both bright and saturated.

    Examples:

    "butterflies with brilliant blue wings"

  3. Brilliant as an adjective (of a voice or sound):

    having a sharp, clear tone

  4. Brilliant as an adjective:

    Of surpassing excellence.

    Examples:

    "The actor's performance in the play was simply brilliant."

  5. Brilliant as an adjective:

    Magnificent or wonderful.

  6. Brilliant as an adjective:

    Highly intelligent.

    Examples:

    "She is a brilliant scientist."

  1. Brilliant as a noun:

    A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to maximize light return through the top (called "table") of the stone.

  2. Brilliant as a noun (uncountable, printing, dated):

    The size of type between excelsior and diamond, standardized as 4-point.

  3. Brilliant as a noun:

    Most hummingbird species of the genus Heliodoxa.

  4. Brilliant as a noun:

    A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.

  1. Shining as an adjective:

    Emitting light.

  2. Shining as an adjective:

    Reflecting light.

  3. Shining as an adjective:

    Having a high polish or sheen.

  4. Shining as an adjective:

    Having exceptional merit.

    Examples:

    "a shining example"

  1. Shining as a verb:

  1. Shining as a noun:

    A bright emission of light; a gleam.

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