a faint or brief light; a glimmer, a flash of reflected light, a slight or remote possibility

gleam in someone's eye, gleam of an idea, gleam of recognition

Formal and Informal Expressions of gleam

In different contexts, you can replace 'gleam' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'glimmer, flash' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'spark, twinkle' is a commonplace synonym.

gleam: Explore its Definition & Usage

gleam Definition

1a faint or brief light; a glimmer
2a flash of reflected light
3a 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

Antonyms for gleam

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.