What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gleam
Example
The sun's gleam on the water was breathtaking. [gleam: noun]
Example
Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she opened the present. [gleamed: verb]
flash
Example
The lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating everything in its path. [flash: verb]
Example
She caught a flash of movement out of the corner of her eye. [flash: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flash is more commonly used than gleam in everyday language. Flash is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gleam is less common and is typically used to describe a specific type of light.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between gleam and flash?
Both gleam and flash can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but gleam may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less common usage.
