French Conversation · Level 103
60 words
French word
étincelant
Pronunciation
IPA/etɛ̃səlɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectivesparkling
Example
Le ciel est étincelant ce soir.
The sky is sparkling tonight.
More examples
Son sourire est étincelant quand elle entre dans la pièce.
Her smile is sparkling when she enters the room.
Core concept
A bright, lively sparkle scattered across a scene rather than a steady, dull glow.
Common phrases
un sourire étincelant
a sparkling smile
un regard étincelant
a sparkling gaze
un bijou étincelant
a sparkling jewel
Similar words
brillant: Reflecting light strongly with a glossy sheen.
éblouissant: So bright that it feels dazzling to look at.
éclatant: Strikingly vivid in color or light.
lumineux: Giving off a soft, spreading light that brightens a space.
Definition in French
Qui renvoie une lumière vive et attirante, donnant l'impression d'un fort éclat.
Word origin
The verb étinceler developed from Old French estinceler, inherited from Latin scintillare, and étincelant formed from that verb's present participle.
Usage tips
- For visible sparkling light, étincelant is more specific than brillant, which also commonly describes intelligence, talent, or skill.