blinked
English meaning: Blinked
Definition
The past tense of 'blink'. It describes having quickly closed and opened the eyes.
Example
“He blinked in surprise at the news.”
Another example: “She delivered the shocking news without so much as blinking.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Past tense of 'blink', describing quickly shutting and opening the eyes. Figuratively, lights 'blink' on and off, and 'without blinking' means without hesitation or surprise. Neutral register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
Past tense of 'blink', from Middle English 'blinken'.
Synonyms
- fluttered
- winked
- flickered
Related Words
Common Collocations
- blinked rapidly
- blinked in surprise
- blinked back tears
- barely blinked
- blinked twice
- didn't even blink
Word Forms
blink (v); blinked; blinking; blink (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B