What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glow
Example
The embers of the fire continued to glow long after the flames had died down. [glow: verb]
Example
The sunset cast a beautiful orange glow across the sky. [glow: noun]
gleam
Example
The diamond ring gleamed in the sunlight as she held it up to admire. [gleamed: verb]
Example
The car's headlights caught a gleam of light off the wet pavement. [gleam: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Glow is more commonly used than gleam in everyday language. Glow is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gleam is less common and more specific in its usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between glow and gleam?
Both glow and gleam can be used in formal and informal contexts, but gleam may be slightly more formal due to its specificity and precision in describing light or reflections.
