What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aureole
Example
The painting of the saint showed a golden aureole around his head. [aureole: noun]
Example
Her face was bathed in a soft aureole of light as the sun set. [aureole: noun]
nimbus
Example
The god was depicted with a nimbus of light around his head. [nimbus: noun]
Example
The statue had a golden nimbus surrounding it, giving it an otherworldly appearance. [nimbus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nimbus is more commonly used than aureole in everyday language. While aureole is specific to religious art and imagery, nimbus has a wider range of applications and can be used to describe various types of halos or circles of light.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aureole and nimbus?
Both aureole and nimbus are formal words, often used in the context of art, literature, or religious discussions. However, nimbus can also be used in more casual or metaphorical contexts, making it slightly more versatile in terms of formality.
