scintillate
UK: ˈsɪntɪleɪt | US: ˈsɪntəleɪt
vi. 1. To emit sparks or flashes of light; to twinkle or glitter.
vi. 2. To be brilliantly clever, lively, or witty.
scintillate = scintill<spark> + ate<verb suffix>
- scintill (from Latin scintilla, meaning "spark" or "glimmer")
- ate (a verb-forming suffix indicating action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word scintillate traces back to the Latin scintillare, derived from scintilla (spark). It originally described the physical phenomenon of sparkling, like stars or fireflies, and later evolved metaphorically to describe intellectual brilliance or vivacity. The morpheme scintill preserves the core idea of "spark," while -ate transforms it into an active verb.
The diamond scintillated under the bright stage lights.
Her eyes scintillated with excitement as she shared her idea.
The night sky scintillated with countless stars.
His conversation scintillated with humor and sharp insights.
The frost scintillated like tiny crystals in the morning sun.