twinkle
UK: ˈtwɪŋk(ə)l | US: ˈtwɪŋk(ə)l
vi. to shine with a flickering or sparkling light
vi. (of eyes) to sparkle with amusement or excitement
n. a brief, intermittent sparkle of light
twinkle = twin<two> + kle<frequentative suffix>
- twin (from Old English twin-, meaning "two" or "double")
- kle (a frequentative suffix in Old English, indicating repeated or small actions)
Etymology Origin:
The word "twinkle" originates from Old English twincan, meaning "to blink" or "to wink," derived from the notion of two (twin) quick, alternating movements (like eyelids or flickering light). The suffix -kle reinforces the repetitive or shimmering nature of the action. Over time, it evolved to describe the gentle, intermittent sparkling of stars or eyes.
The stars twinkle in the night sky.
Her eyes twinkled with mischief when she told the joke.
A lone candle twinkled in the dark room.
The city lights twinkle like distant fireflies.
He noticed the twinkle of dew on the grass at dawn.