gleam

[ gleem ]

noun

1. a flash or beam of light:

   the gleam of a lantern in the dark.

2. a dim or subdued light.
3. a brief or slight manifestation or occurrence; trace:

   a gleam of hope.

verb (used without object)

1. to send forth a gleam or gleams.

   Synonyms: beam, sparkle, glitter, glint, flash, glimmer, shine, scintilla, suggestion, hint

2. to appear suddenly and clearly like a flash of light.

gleam

/ ɡliːm /

noun

1. a small beam or glow of light, esp reflected light
2. a brief or dim indication

   a gleam of hope

verb

1. to send forth or reflect a beam of light
2. to appear, esp briefly

   intelligence gleamed in his eyes

Derived Forms

• ˈgleaming, adjective
• ˈgleamingly, adverb
• ˈgleamy, adjective

Other Words From

• gleam·less adjective
• out·gleam verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of gleam¹

First recorded before 1000; (noun) Middle English glem(e), Old English glǣm; cognate with Old High German gleimo “glowworm”; akin to Old Saxon glīmo “brightness”; (verb) Middle English, derivative of the noun. See glimmer, glimpse

Word History and Origins

Origin of gleam¹

Old English glǣm; related to Old Norse gljā to flicker, Old High German gleimo glow-worm, glīmo brightness, Old Irish glē bright

Synonym Study

Gleam, glimmer, beam, ray are terms for a stream of light. Gleam denotes a not very brilliant, intermittent or nondirectional stream of light. Glimmer indicates a nondirectional light that is feeble and unsteady: a faint glimmer of moonlight. Beam usually means a directional, and therefore smaller, stream: the beam from a searchlight. Ray usually implies a still smaller amount of light than a beam, a single line of light: a ray through a pinprick in a window shade.

Example Sentences

To witness them supporting one another musically and showing inspiring devotion to a frail Barenboim, suffering from a debilitating neurological disease, may be the only gleam of hope we have for peace.

From Los Angeles Times

The glass panels gleam in the sun, like an outsize version of the prismatic bluish-purple gem that glitters in the light.

From BBC

I saw the gleam in their eyes as they talked about a future where everyone had a right to clean air, clean water, and good and meaningful jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

Councilwoman Gleam Davis disagreed with that tactic and suggested that officers approach people who are willing to talk to them.

From Los Angeles Times

One moment after Foster says this is all just part of a bigger plan, his words backed by a gleam in his eyes, he goes silent and his eyes grow sad.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• glimmer
• glint
• glisten
• glitter
• glow
• radiate
• shimmer
• shine
• twinkle