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gleam
[ gleem ]
noun
- a flash or beam of light:
the gleam of a lantern in the dark.
- a dim or subdued light.
- a brief or slight manifestation or occurrence; trace:
a gleam of hope.
gleam
/ ɡliːm /
noun
- a small beam or glow of light, esp reflected light
- a brief or dim indication
a gleam of hope
verb
- to send forth or reflect a beam of light
- 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
Word History and Origins
Origin of gleam1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
For a test of dry-land mirrors, Franklin and her colleagues turned to a showy group of about 40 species of scarab beetles, some with a natural gleam.
Baugh had brought nothing but his remarkable good will, and it was in full gleam for all to see when the president entered.
Polish them until they gleam with malice, wicked glee, and non-registry gifts.
A brown tacky gleam of years of paint accumulation covers the three-story apartment.
He asked me what I put on my nail polish to give all the colors a warm gleam.
Evans, 31, whose eyes gleam behind a mess of blonde hair, was a formerly committed Christian whose faith had lapsed.
It was the darkest hour of twilight, when there was just enough of gleam from the lurid sky, to shew the outline of objects.
He was sure that I was really there, and the gleam of white teeth showed a broadening dog-smile.
Mr. Levi enters almost beside him; how white his big eyeballs gleam, as he steps in under the same cold light!
She smiled back at him, a pale, timid smile, like a gleam of sunshine from a wintry sky.
Indirect lighting gave a pretty gleam to the metal gadgets on the tables.
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More About Gleam
What does gleam mean?
A gleam is a flash or flicker of light, as in As Val scrolled through their phone in the dark, the screen projected a gleam of light on their face.
A gleam is also a dim light, such as you might get from a flashlight with a dying battery.
To gleam means to send out a gleam, as in The candle gleamed in the darkness.
To gleam also means to appear quickly and clearly, as a flash of light would.
Example: I love the way this dress gleams in the sun.
Where does gleam come from?
The first records of the term gleam come from before the year 1000. It ultimately comes from the Old English glǣm.
You might also see gleam used to mean “a brief or small inkling of something happening.” You might have a gleam of hope about something that’s not very likely but not impossible. You might also say you have a gleam of happiness when you’re sad overall.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to gleam?
- gleamingly (adverb)
- gleamless (adjective)
- gleamy (adjective)
- outgleam (verb)
- gleaming (adjective, verb)
What are some synonyms for gleam?
What are some words that share a root or word element with gleam?
What are some words that often get used in discussing gleam?
How is gleam used in real life?
Gleam is a common word often used to describe a dull stream of light.
The Gleam of Glamour can make you Go insane. Don't lose your inherent Goodness for it. #BabaAM
— ARMAAN MALIK (@ArmaanMalik22) August 8, 2017
Under a moon that hangs from silver strings
We know not what this darkness brings
The stars all gleam with possibilities— Oh Wonder (@OhWonderMusic) May 23, 2017
When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween. 🎃
— K-Ray (@wtmkevin) October 29, 2016
Try using gleam!
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for gleam?
A. glimmer
B. darken
C. twinkle
D. glint
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