limelight — the center of public attention or interest
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the center of public attention or interest
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlaɪmlaɪt/
Example Sentences
- After winning the lottery, she found herself thrust into the limelight and couldn't even buy groceries without being recognized.
- The CEO prefers to stay out of the limelight and let his products speak for themselves.
- My cat somehow managed to steal the limelight at my wedding by walking down the aisle during the ceremony.
limelight
NOUN[/ˈlaɪmlaɪt/]
the center of public attention or interest
the center of public attention or interest
From backstage shadows to spotlight and daylight - she claims her limelight!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term originated in 19th-century theatre, where intense illumination was produced by heating lime (calcium oxide) and used to spotlight the lead actor at centre stage. Because actors illuminated by this bright light received the most attention from audiences, the term evolved to mean the centre of public attention or focus.
Breakdown
lime (calcium compound) + light (illumination) = a bright theatrical lighting effect, later metaphorically extended to mean 'the centre of attention'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After winning the lottery, she found herself thrust into the limelight and couldn't even buy groceries without being recognized.”
“The CEO prefers to stay out of the limelight and let his products speak for themselves.”
“My cat somehow managed to steal the limelight at my wedding by walking down the aisle during the ceremony.”
“The young politician basked in the limelight after her viral speech about climate change.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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