What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gleam
Example
The sun's rays gleamed off the surface of the water. [gleamed: verb]
Example
Her eyes gleamed with excitement when she saw the surprise. [gleamed: verb]
glimmer
Example
The stars began to glimmer in the night sky. [glimmer: verb]
Example
There was a faint glimmer of hope that things would get better. [glimmer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Glimmer is less common than gleam in everyday language, but both words can be used in various contexts, such as describing natural phenomena, emotions, or objects.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between gleam and glimmer?
Both gleam and glimmer are relatively formal words that may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, they can be used in writing, literature, or academic contexts to convey specific meanings or nuances.
