glossy in English
- glossy⇄adj. 1. smooth and shiny; highly polished; lustrous.
Ex. The beautiful, glossy coat of the cat shone as it lay in the sunlight.
(SYN) sleek.
2. (Figurative.) having a specious appearance or smooth outward show; superficially or decept - glossy⇄adv. glossily.
- glossy⇄glossy, adjective, glossier,glossiest,noun, pl.glossies.
- glossy⇄noun glossiness.
- glossy⇄noun 1. (Informal.) a photograph printed on glossy paper.
2. (British Informal.) a magazine printed on glossy paper; slick.
Ex. The editors of the two leading glossies ... make Paris cower (Punch).
3. something superficially attractiv
glossy in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
glossy in Sindhi سنڌي
Glossy
Part of Speech:
Adjective, Noun
Pronunciation:
/ˈɡlɒsi/
Definitions:
- (Adjective) Having a shiny, smooth, and reflective surface.
- (Adjective) Superficially attractive or stylish yet lacking depth or authenticity.
- (Noun) A magazine or publication printed on high-quality, shiny paper, often with rich visual content.
Usage Examples:
- The glossy finish of the table made it look elegant.
- She enjoyed reading glossy fashion magazines on the weekends.
- Despite its glossy appearance, the novel lacked depth.
Etymology:
Derived from the Middle English gloze (flattery, superficial shine), from Old French glose, and further from the Latin glossa (tongue, language).
Synonyms:
- Shiny
- Lustrous
- Sleek
- Polished
- Gleaming
Antonyms:
- Dull
- Matte
- Rough
- Uneven
- Rustic
Translations:
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Brillante | /bɾiˈʝante/ |
| French | Brillant | /bʁijɑ̃/ |
| German | Glänzend | /ˈɡlɛnʦənt/ |
| Hindi | चमकदार (Chamkadar) | /ʧəməkdɑːɾ/ |
| Mandarin | 光滑的 (Guānghuá de) | /kwɑŋ˥˥ xwa˧˥ tə/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations:
British English: /ˈɡlɒsi/ — American English: /ˈɡlɑːsi/
Historical Usage:
Initially used in the sense of 'superficial flattery' in the 16th century, the term evolved to describe polished surfaces in the 17th century. As mass printing became popular in the 20th century, 'glossy' also began to denote high-quality, visually appealing publications.
Cultural Nuances:
In contemporary culture, "glossy" can have both positive and negative connotations—representing either a desirable polished appearance or a lack of genuine substance. The term is frequently associated with fashion, media, and luxury products.
More Information:
Glossy surfaces have historically symbolized wealth and sophistication. In modern contexts, glossy media, like fashion magazines, are seen as aspirational yet sometimes criticized for promoting unrealistic standards. In material science, glossiness is measured by the reflection of light on surfaces, making it significant in industries like automotive and interior design.