shine

Everyday

1. To shine is to give out bright light, like the sun or a torch. tree →
2. To shine is to look bright because light reflects on it, like polished shoes. tree →
3. To shine a light is to point it at something. tree →
4. To shine at something is to be very good at it. tree →
5. Shine is the brightness of a polished surface. tree →

In the lessons

In science, the Sun and stars shine with their own light; the Moon does not — it reflects sunlight. Shiny materials reflect light well. In safety, never shine a torch or laser into someone's eyes and never look straight at the Sun. In stories, shining eyes show joy. Phrases: the sun is shining, shine a torch, rise and shine (wake up!), take a shine to (start to like), rain or shine.

Examples

• The sun is shining today. tree →
• Shine the torch over here. tree →
• The Moon shines because it reflects sunlight. tree →
• He polished his shoes to a shine. tree →
• Her eyes shone with excitement. tree →
• She really shines at swimming. tree →
• We'll go to the match, rain or shine. tree →
• Then the Sun began to shine. tree →

Note

Past form: shone for giving light (the sun shone); shined for polishing (he shined his shoes) — Americans often use shined for both. Adjective: shiny. Never look directly at the sun, even through sunglasses or a telescope.

In Jewish tradition

The words come from the Priestly Blessing, which the kohanim say over the people.

Interpretation. The tradition reads the shining face as God's favour and peace given to Israel.

Examples

• The LORD make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; (Torah NUM.6.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; save me in Thy lovingkindness. (Writings PSA.31.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and teach me Thy statutes. (Writings PSA.119.135, JPS 1917) tree →
• His enemies will I clothe with shame; but upon himself shall his crown shine.' (Writings PSA.132.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past form: shone for giving light (the sun shone); shined for polishing (he shined his shoes) — Americans often use shined for both. Adjective: shiny. Never look directly at the sun, even through sunglasses or a telescope.