Glossy Meaning and Definition

Glossy

Glossy

Pronunciation

/ˈɡlɒsɪ/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A shinin’ or polished surface, typically used to describe a material or object with a high-gloss finish.

Examples

  • The car’s glossy paint job caught everyone’s attention.
  • She applied a glossy coat to the wooden table.
  • The magazine’s cover had a glossy finish, making it stand out on newsstands.
  • He traded his matte-finish phone for a new glossy one.
  • The glossy brochure showcased the new product’s features.
  • The artist used a glossy varnish to protect her artwork.

Synonyms

  • Shiny
  • Luminous

Antonyms

  • Matte
  • Dull

Etymology

The word ‘Glossy’ comes from the Greek word ‘γlossa’ (glossa), meaning ‘tongue’ or ‘language’, likely due to the shiny, surface-like quality of a well-polished object.

Usage Notes

When describing an object or material’s finish, ‘Glossy’ is commonly used in phrases like ‘glossy finish’, ‘glossy paint job’, or ‘glossy surface’.

Cultural References

In the context of artistic expression, ‘Glossy’ has been used to describe the shine of paint, varnish, or other mediums used in artwork.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

‘Glossy’ is often paired with ‘finish’ to describe the appearance of an object, such as ‘glossy finish’ or ‘high-gloss finish’.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Pearlescent
  • Lustrous

Collocations

  • Glossy paint job
  • Glossy finish
  • Glossy surface

Frequency of Use

‘Glossy’ is a moderately common adjective used in various contexts, from art and design to everyday language.

Common Misspellings

  • Glissy
  • Glostey

Related Words