glory

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   Great honor, praise, or fame received because of notable success or achievement.

   Grammar: Usually no article in general statements: The team returned in glory, not a glory.

   Patterns

   • glory of something
   • in glory
   • bring someone glory
   • bask in glory

   The medal brought glory to the small swimming club.

   She spoke of the glory of winning after years of practice.

   He did not seek personal glory; he wanted the project to succeed.

2. 2noununcountableliterary

   Magnificent beauty, splendor, or impressive excellence that fills people with admiration.

   Grammar: Often used with of or in: the glory of the mountains.

   Patterns

   • the glory of something
   • in all its glory
   • restore something to glory

   We arrived at sunrise and saw the valley in all its glory.

   The old theater has been restored to its former glory.

   The garden was at its full glory in late spring.

3. 3noununcountablereligion

   In religion, the divine majesty, radiant presence, or heavenly honor of God.

   Grammar: Common in church language: the glory of God, to God’s glory.

   Patterns

   • the glory of God
   • to God’s glory
   • give glory to God

   The choir sang to the glory of God.

   They gave glory to God for the safe return of the travelers.

   The hymn describes creation showing the glory of its maker.

Common combinations

bask in glory

After the championship, the players basked in glory for days.

former/past glory

The museum has been carefully returned to its former glory.

moment of glory

Her moment of glory came when the experiment finally worked.

the glory of nature

The documentary captures the glory of nature without adding drama.

Synonyms and how they differ

honor

Emphasizes respect earned through character or achievement; glory is stronger and more radiant.

fame

Means being widely known, which can be neutral, while glory suggests admired success.

splendor

Fits the beauty sense of glory more than the honor-from-success sense.

Opposites

Word family

glorious adjective

Beautiful, magnificent, or deserving great praise.

glorify verb

To praise highly or make something appear more splendid.

gloriously adverb

In a splendid or admirable way.

Commonly confused: glory or glorify? glory or glorious?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “glory”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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