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gloss

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɡlɔs/

KK: /glɔs/

intransitive verb
Definition

To become shiny or have a smooth, reflective surface.


Example

The car's paint began to gloss after the polish was applied.


Tense Forms

Past: glossed

Past Participle: glossed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how that car glossed over after the wash?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looks amazing!
Sloth A
I should get mine washed too; I want it to gloss like that.
Sloth B
Definitely! It makes such a difference.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shine
glimmer
gleam
Antonyms
dull
fade
matte
noun
Definition

A brief explanation or translation of a difficult word or phrase, often found in the margins of a text, or a product that makes lips shiny.


Example

The teacher provided a gloss for the difficult terms in the textbook to help students understand better.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried that new lip gloss from the store?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! Is it any good?
Sloth A
Yeah, it really adds a nice shine and feels great on your lips.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To make something shiny or to explain the meaning of a word or text.


Example

She decided to gloss the wooden table to make it shine.


Tense Forms

Past: glossed

Past Participle: glossed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how she glossed over the tough questions during the presentation?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was impressive how she managed to avoid them.
Sloth A
I wonder if she's trying to gloss things up to make it look better.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Gloss → It originates from the Greek word 'glōssa' (meaning tongue or language) and the Latin 'glossa' (meaning tongue or language, also used to refer to a commentary or explanation). The word 'gloss' refers to a brief explanation or interpretation of a word or phrase, often used in the context of language.

Memory Tip

Think of 'glōssa' meaning tongue or language, which helps you remember that a 'gloss' is an explanation or interpretation of words.

Visually Confused Words
loss
ungloss
regloss
gliosis
bugloss
aglossa
loess
gross
Is this page helpful?
I should check it out; I love products that give a subtle gloss!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
glossary
note
shine
Antonyms
dullness
opacity
bluntness
Probably! Some people just want to focus on the positives.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shine
polish
clarify
Antonyms
dull
obscure
misinterpret