Gleam
/ɡliːm/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo shine or glow softly, often reflecting light.
/ɡliːm/
To shine brightly; to emit a soft, steady light.
The headlights of the car gleamed in the darkness.
💡 Simply: Imagine a shiny new car. When the sun hits it just right, it *gleams*! It's like the light is bouncing off it in a beautiful way.
👶 For kids: To shine or glow softly, like a star in the night sky!
More Examples
Her diamond ring gleamed under the spotlights.
The polished wood table gleamed after she wiped it down.
How It's Used
"The polished silver gleamed in the candlelight."
"Her eyes gleamed with mischief."
A soft or gentle light or brightness; a flash of light.
/ɡliːm/
A flash or beam of light; a soft, steady light.
A single gleam of sunlight broke through the clouds.
💡 Simply: Think about a tiny spark of light – that's a *gleam*. It can be a little bit of light, like the light that catches your eye from a distant star.
👶 For kids: A little bit of light that shines!
More Examples
There was a gleam of joy in her eyes when she saw the present.
The knight's armor gave off a bright gleam.
How It's Used
"A sudden gleam of light caught his eye."
"There was a gleam of hope in her voice."
Idioms & expressions
a gleam in the eye
A sign of excitement, amusement, or mischief.
"He had a gleam in his eye as he announced his surprise party."
From Old English *glēam* 'brightness, shining'. Related to words indicating shining or light.
The word 'gleam' has been used since Old English times to describe a bright, often soft, light.
Memory tip
Think of a *gleaming* treasure chest – it shines!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: *glēam*