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.
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.