What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gleam
Example
The moonlight gleamed on the surface of the lake. [gleamed: verb]
Example
Her eyes had a gleam of excitement when she saw the surprise. [gleam: noun]
shine
Example
The sun shone brightly in the sky. [shone: past tense]
Example
The silverware shone after being polished. [shone: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shine is more commonly used than gleam in everyday language. Shine is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while gleam is more specific and less commonly used.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between gleam and shine?
Both gleam and shine can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shine is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
