Final answer:
The sentence can be completed with 'flashing,' 'shining,' 'glittering,' or 'gleaming,' all of which describe how light interacts with jewels. However, 'glittering' is often associated with multiple small reflections, which could best connote the sparkling effect that attracts attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct word that should be inserted in the blank to connote the most accurate shade of meaning for the sentence: The _____ jewels in the large glass case attracted the attention of the museum visitors is flashing, shining, glittering, or gleaming. All these words can describe jewels that reflect light in a way that catches the eye, but they have slightly different connotations.
- Flashing suggests a sudden and intense burst of light.
- Shining implies a steady, soft glow.
- Glittering often refers to a sparkling or shimmering effect with many small flashes of light.
- Gleaming indicates a reflective, shining surface, but does not necessarily imply the sparkle of many small points of light like glittering does.
A high-quality diamond, being quite clear and colorless, will sparkle with flashes of brilliant color when illuminated by white light due to its ability to refract the light. This property, known as dispersion, breaks down the white light into its constituent spectral colors, causing the diamond to exhibit a play of colors.