What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
afterglow
Example
The sky was painted with a beautiful afterglow as the sun set. [afterglow: noun]
Example
She basked in the afterglow of her successful performance. [afterglow: noun]
Example
The afterglow of the party lasted for days, leaving everyone in a good mood. [afterglow: noun]
gleam
Example
The diamond ring sparkled with a gleam in the sunlight. [gleam: noun]
Example
He caught a gleam of recognition in her eyes. [gleam: noun]
Example
The musician felt a gleam of inspiration and wrote a new song. [gleam: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gleam is more commonly used than afterglow in everyday language. Gleam is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while afterglow is less common and refers to a specific natural phenomenon or emotional state.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between afterglow and gleam?
Both afterglow and gleam are relatively formal words, but gleam is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while afterglow is more limited in its usage and is typically reserved for more formal or poetic language.
