twinkle
twinkle
UK[ˈtwɪŋkl]US[ˈtwɪŋkl]
v
(of a star or a light) to shine with a light that changes rapidly from bright to faint
v
(of a person's eyes) to shine brightly because one is happy or excited
n
a sparkle or gleam of light, or a brief expression of amusement or liveliness in the eyes
Etymology
the word "twinkle" originates from the old english verb twinclian, meaning 'to wink, blink'. this old english term is related to middle high german zwinken, meaning 'to blink', and is thought to be of imitative origin, mimicking the quick, intermittent motion of blinking or sparkling. the semantic evolution moved from the physical action of blinking the eyes to describing the analogous rapid, intermittent shining of a distant light or star. the modern sense, connecting the visual sparkle to an expression of amusement in the eyes, beautifully links the original concrete action to an abstract emotional state.
Analysis
the word "twinkle" is an english simplex word of germanic origin. it is considered unsegmentable into distinct, meaningful morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky.
a mischievous twinkle appeared in her eyes as she told the joke.
the lights of the distant city twinkled like a carpet of jewels.