Spotlight vs. Limelight

Spotlight vs. Limelight — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Spotlight and Limelight

Spotlightnoun

A bright, directional light or lamp, especially one used to illuminate the focus or center of attention on a stage.

Limelightnoun

A type of stage lighting once used in theatres and music halls, producing a bright light by the use of incandescent quicklime.

Spotlightnoun

(by extension) The circle of light shed by a spotlight.

Limelightnoun

(by extension) Attention, notice, a starring or central role, present fame.

Spotlightnoun

(figurative) The center of attention; the highlight or most important part.

Some people enjoy the spotlight.

Limelightverb

to illuminate with limelight

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Spotlightverb

(transitive) To illuminate with a spotlight.

We spotlight the star, but the supporting cast has all the great lines in this scene.

Limelightnoun

a focus of public attention;

he enjoyed being in the limelightwhen Congress investigates it brings the full glare of publicity to the agency

Spotlightverb

To draw attention to.

The news series served to spotlight corruption.

Limelightnoun

a lamp consisting of a flame directed at a cylinder of lime with a lens to concentrate the light; formerly used for stage lighting

Spotlightnoun

a focus of public attention;

he enjoyed being in the limelightwhen Congress investigates it brings the full glare of publicity to the agency

Spotlightnoun

a lamp that produces a strong beam of light to illuminate a restricted area; used to focus attention of a stage performer

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Spotlightverb

move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent;

The introduction highlighted the speaker's distinguished career in linguistics

Spotlightverb

illuminate with a spotlight, as in the theater