1 B1 neutral
To reflect light from a surface, often causing brightness or glare.
"The sunlight shone off the surface of the lake, making it hard to see."
inseparable
shine off
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To reflect or bounce light off a surface, creating brightness or glare.
In plain English
When light bounces off a shiny surface and you can see it reflecting.
What does "shine off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Light shining and bouncing off a surface — entirely transparent.
Actually means
When light bounces off a shiny surface and you can see it reflecting.
Usage tip
Primarily used in a literal, physical sense. Describes the effect of light reflecting from a surface. Less technical than 'reflect off' but widely understood.
Words that pair with "shine off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
water glass metal snow surface windscreen tiles
How to conjugate "shine off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
shine off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shines off
he/she/it
Past simple
shined off
yesterday
Past participle
shined off
have + pp
-ing form
shining off
continuous
Hear "shine off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "shine off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.