flicker

To shine with light that quickly becomes brighter and weaker.

• The candle began to flicker.
• The lights flickered during the storm.
• Flames were flickering behind the glass.

Similar words: flutter, waver

Common phrases: light flicker, flicker in darkness, flicker on something

To appear and disappear quickly, or move with small, quick movements.

• A smile flickered across her face.
• Images flicker in my mind when I hear that song.
• His eyelids flickered before he woke.

How to use it: flicker across something (A look of fear flickered across his face.); flicker in something (Old memories flickered in her mind.)

Similar words: flutter, flit

Common phrases: flicker across something, flicker in something, flicker into view

A small, quick change in light as it becomes brighter and weaker.

• I saw a flicker of light.
• The candle's flicker made shadows dance on the wall.
• Screen flicker can make my eyes tired.

How to use it: a flicker of light (A flicker of light came from the doorway.)

Common phrases: flicker of light, candle flicker, screen flicker

A very brief appearance or sign of a feeling or thought.

• She felt a flicker of hope.
• A flicker of recognition crossed his face.
• There was not even a flicker of interest in her eyes.

How to use it: a flicker of something (I noticed a flicker of doubt in his eyes.)

Similar words: glimmer, hint, trace

Common phrases: flicker of hope, flicker of doubt, flicker of recognition