sunshine
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.the direct light and heat that comes from the sun.
n.the direct rays of the sun or the warmth and light they produce. Uncountable in this sense.
Simple“We sat on the balcony to enjoy the morning sunshine.”
In context“The plants thrived in the direct sunshine, though the gardener warned that the midday heat might scorch their delicate leaves.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a feeling of happiness or something that makes you feel joyful.
n.a figurative quality of cheerfulness, geniality, or a specific source of joy.
Simple“The new baby brought a lot of sunshine into their lives.”
In context“Her natural sunshine was infectious, lifting the spirits of the entire office even during the most stressful weeks of the project.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.a way to talk to someone who is being annoying or acting superior.
n.an ironic or patronising form of address directed toward someone perceived as troublesome or inferior.
Simple“Listen here, sunshine, you can't park your car in front of my driveway.”
In context“The shopkeeper looked at the rowdy teenager and said, 'I think it's time for you to move along, sunshine.'”
Teacher's tipIn the UK and Ireland, this is often aggressive or dismissive rather than friendly; use with caution.
- 04 C1 Advanced
adj.describing laws that make government meetings open to the public.
adj.pertaining to laws or regulations that ensure public access to government records or meetings.
Simple“The state's sunshine laws allow citizens to attend city council meetings.”
In context“Advocacy groups cited the sunshine act to demand that the committee release the minutes of their private deliberations regarding the new tax code.”
SynonymsAntonymssecretiveclosed door