gloss

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
Español
Spanish
Polski
Polish
Português
Portuguese
Українська
Ukrainian
Français
French
/ɡlɑːs/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A word for surface shine, attractive polish, shine-adding products, explanatory notes, and the actions of making something shiny, explaining wording, or smoothing over a problem.
Practice using gloss in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The designer chose low gloss paint for the ceiling.
  • She wore a clear gloss over her lipstick.
  • The salon offered a hair gloss to brighten her color.
  • A final coat can gloss the surface without changing the color.
  • The apology put a polite gloss on a very awkward decision.

Similar words

explanation
soften
note
annotation
shine
annotate
clarify
interpretation
hair gloss
brightness

Meanings

Shiny surface

noun
physical
neutral
A smooth shine on a surface, especially one that reflects light from polish, paint, varnish, or another finish.

Examples

  • The marble floor had a high gloss after polishing.
  • A coat of varnish gave the table a warm gloss.
  • The photo paper comes in matte, satin, and gloss finishes.
  • Rain left a black gloss on the asphalt.
  • The designer chose low gloss paint for the ceiling.

Similar words

shine
sheen
luster
polish
gleam
brightness

Superficial appeal

noun
appearance
neutral
An attractive surface impression that can make something seem better, more polished, or more respectable than it really is.

Examples

  • The brochure gave the failing project a gloss of success.
  • Celebrity guests added a little gloss to the charity gala.
  • Behind the magazine's gloss, the article raised serious concerns.
  • The apology put a polite gloss on a very awkward decision.
  • The brand relied on visual gloss instead of a better product.

Similar words

veneer
facade
polish
surface
appearance
sheen

Shine product

noun
beauty
neutral
A cosmetic or beauty product that adds shine to lips, hair, or skin, often with a clear or lightly tinted finish.

Examples

  • She wore a clear gloss over her lipstick.
  • The salon offered a hair gloss to brighten her color.
  • A tinted gloss gave his lips a soft shine.
  • The stylist used a clear gloss to smooth the ends of her hair.
  • The makeup artist packed balm, mascara, and gloss for the shoot.

Similar words

lip gloss
hair gloss
glaze
shine treatment
topcoat
serum

Explanatory note

noun
linguistic
neutral
A short explanation, translation, or interpretation of a difficult word or passage, often placed in a margin, between lines, or in a glossary.

Examples

  • The editor added a gloss for the archaic verb.
  • Each Latin sentence appears with an interlinear gloss.
  • The manuscript has a small gloss in the margin.
  • The dictionary gives a quick gloss before the longer explanation.
  • A helpful gloss clarified the technical phrase.

Similar words

annotation
note
explanation
comment
interpretation
translation

Make shiny

verb
physical
neutral
To give something a smooth, shiny finish by polishing it or applying a coating.

Examples

  • The decorator will gloss the trim after the primer dries.
  • They glossed the cabinet doors for a brighter finish.
  • A final coat can gloss the surface without changing the color.
  • She glossed the clay beads before firing them.
  • The polish glosses the leather and protects it from scuffs.

Similar words

polish
shine
coat
varnish
lacquer
buff

Explain a word

verb
linguistic
neutral
To add a short explanation, translation, or interpretation for a word, phrase, or passage.

Examples

  • The translator will gloss the Greek phrase in a note.
  • The textbook glosses rare words at the bottom of each page.
  • The editor glossed the dialect term for modern readers.
  • Some editions gloss every unfamiliar name in the poem.
  • The article glosses the acronym before using it again.

Similar words

annotate
explain
define
interpret
translate
clarify

Hide or minimize

verb
communication
neutral
To make a problem, flaw, or difficult subject seem less serious, often by passing over it lightly or giving it a more favorable appearance.

Examples

  • The article glossed over the company's financial problems.
  • He tried to gloss over the mistake with a joke.
  • The official statement glossed over the delay.
  • No serious review should gloss over those missing figures.
  • The biography glosses over the scandal in a single paragraph.

Similar words

minimize
downplay
soften
excuse
whitewash
explain away

Etymology

The shine sense is related to older Germanic words for glowing or brightness, while the explanatory sense comes through French and Latin from Greek glōssa, meaning tongue, language, or an obscure word needing explanation.

FAQ

What does gloss mean?

Gloss can mean a shiny surface, a shine-adding product, a short explanatory note, or the act of making something shiny or explaining wording.

What does gloss over mean?

Gloss over means to treat a problem or uncomfortable fact too lightly, often to make it seem less serious.

Is a gloss the same as a glossary?

No. A gloss is one explanation or translation, while a glossary is a collection of such explanations or specialized terms.

Can gloss mean a beauty product?

Yes. Gloss can refer to products such as lip gloss or hair gloss that add shine and sometimes a light tint.

What is the opposite of gloss as a finish?

For a surface finish, the usual opposite is matte or dull.

Why does gloss have both shine and explanation meanings?

English has two historical strands of gloss: one tied to shine and one tied to Greek glōssa, meaning tongue, language, or a word needing explanation.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...