What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gloriole
Example
The painting depicted the saint with a gloriole around his head. [gloriole: noun]
Example
The sunset cast a beautiful gloriole around the mountain peaks. [gloriole: noun]
nimbus
Example
The angel was depicted with a nimbus around her head. [nimbus: noun]
Example
The athlete had a nimbus of sweat on his forehead after the intense workout. [nimbus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nimbus is more commonly used than gloriole in everyday language, as it has a wider range of meanings and applications. Gloriole is a more specialized term used mainly in religious art and literature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gloriole and nimbus?
Both gloriole and nimbus are formal words that are typically used in academic or artistic contexts, although nimbus can also be used in more casual settings due to its versatile usage.
