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to coruscate

to coruscate

9.9
To show great skill and lively energy
  • verb
  • /ˈkɔrəsˌkeɪt/
  • Literature
translation icon : brillar
  • Her coruscating talents in dance left everyone in awe during the talent show.

Examples

  • The musician's performance coruscated with energy and skill, captivating the entire audience.

  • Four volumes of coruscating prose—that ought to suffice for a modest literary legacy.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The artist's coruscate style was evident in every brush stroke, showcasing her virtuosity.

Synonyms

to sparkle
vsto coruscate
20 3.5

To be lively and show skill, charm, or energy

is stronger, focusing on extraordinary skill and dazzling virtuosity
to scintillate
vsto coruscate
3 9.3

To be lively, clever, and very skillful in speech or art

is used for lively brilliance that highlights dazzling virtuosity

Antonyms

109 4.8

Only average in quality and not very good

33 3.4

Cause something to become less sharp, strong or bright

How Brilliant

to dazzle
63 4.1
to coruscate
  • Literature
9.9
to shine
138 3.6
to do well
520 1.2

Surface Forms

coruscate infinitive
coruscated past
coruscated past participle
coruscating present participle
coruscates third person singular

Morphology

coruscate = corusc + ate

Built from a Latinate combining form 'corusc-' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ate'; the root is not a recognizable modern English word, so learners cannot reliably deduce the meaning from its parts.

Etymology

Coruscate comes from the same Latin coruscare, 'to flash', and a helpful way to remember it is to think of ideas or performances that 'flash' with energy. That's why we say ideas, music, or skill coruscate when they are lively and brightly impressive.