gleam

[ɡliːm]

gleam Definition

• 1. a faint or brief light; a glimmer
• 2. a flash of reflected light
• 3. a slight or remote possibility

Using gleam: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gleam" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The sun gleamed on the water.

• Example

  Her eyes gleamed with excitement.

• Example

  There was a gleam of hope in his eyes.

• Example

  The diamond ring gleamed in the light.

gleam Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for gleam

• glimmer
• sparkle
• shine
• flash
• twinkle

Antonyms for gleam

• dullness
• darkness

Phrases with gleam

• gleam in someone's eye

  something that is only an idea or a hope for the future

  Example

  The company was just a gleam in his eye when he graduated from college.

• gleam of an idea

  a vague or incomplete idea

  Example

  I have a gleam of an idea for my next project, but I need to work on it more.

• gleam of recognition

  a sudden realization or understanding of something

  Example

  When she saw his face, there was a gleam of recognition in her eyes.

Origins of gleam

from Old English 'glǣm', related to 'glow'

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Summary: gleam in Brief

The term 'gleam' [ɡliːm] refers to a faint or brief light, often associated with a glimmer or sparkle. It can also denote a slight possibility, as in 'There was a gleam of hope in his eyes.' The phrase 'gleam in someone's eye' refers to something that is only an idea or hope for the future, while 'gleam of recognition' denotes a sudden realization or understanding.