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Blinking - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Blinking is the rapid closing and opening of the eyelids, often done involuntarily to moisten the eyes or as a reflex to light. It can also signal surprise or disbelief.

blinking

/ˈblɪŋkɪŋ/ /ˈblɪŋkɪŋ/

Definition:

Rapidly opening and closing the eyes, often involuntarily or as a reflex.

Synonyms:

winking, fluttering, flickering

Part of Speech:

adjective, verb (present participle)

Antonyms:

staring, gazing

Common Collocations:

blinking light, blinking cursor, blinking eyes

Derivatives:

blink, blinked, blinker

Usage Tips:

Use "blinking" to describe quick eye movements or intermittent light flashes; avoid overuse in formal writing.

Common Phrases:

blinking idiot, in the blink of an eye, not a blinking chance

Etymology:

Derived from Middle English "blenken," meaning to shine or gleam, later evolving to describe rapid eye movements.

Examples:

  • 1. She kept blinking under the bright lights.
  • 2. The blinking cursor annoyed him as he typed.
  • 3. He was a blinking fool for missing the sign.
  • 4. The stars looked like blinking diamonds in the sky.

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