Meaning & use
glow
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Meanings
verbintransitive
To give off a steady, gentle light without flames.
Grammar: No object: the embers glowed.
Patterns
- glow in the dark
- glow with something
The embers glowed in the fireplace.
The stars on the ceiling glow in the dark.
A lantern glowed at the end of the path.
verbintransitivefigurative
To look healthy, bright or full of strong feeling such as pride or happiness.
Grammar: Often followed by with: glow with pride.
Patterns
- glow with pride
- glow with health
She glowed with pride when her son received the award.
After the run, his cheeks glowed.
The bride glowed throughout the ceremony.
nounsingular
A soft, steady light, often warm in color.
Grammar: Usually singular with a: a warm glow.
Patterns
- a glow from something
- the glow of something
The glow of the fire filled the room.
A faint glow appeared on the horizon before dawn.
The phone cast a blue glow across her face.
nounsingularfigurative
A warm feeling or healthy color, such as pride or satisfaction.
Grammar: Used figuratively for feelings and appearance.
Patterns
- a glow of pride
- a healthy glow
She felt a glow of satisfaction after finishing the marathon.
Fresh air gave him a healthy glow.
He basked in the warm glow of their praise.
Word forms
| third person singular | glows |
|---|---|
| past tense | glowed |
| past participle | glowed |
| -ing form | glowing |
| plural noun | glows |
Common combinations
- glow with pride
- The coach glowed with pride after the win.
- a warm glow
- A warm glow came from the windows.
- glow in the dark
- The paint makes the stickers glow in the dark.
- a healthy glow
- A week at the beach gave her a healthy glow.
- a soft glow
- A soft glow lit the tent.
- glow brightly
- The sign glowed brightly in the fog.
Synonyms and how they differ
- shine
- Shine suggests a brighter light that may be reflected, while glow is softer and seems to come from within.
- gleam
- Gleam is a brief, sharp flash of light, as on a polished surface, unlike the steady glow.
- radiate
- Radiate stresses light or feeling spreading outward, and it fits warmth or confidence better.
- blaze
- Blaze is much stronger and fiercer than glow, suggesting fire or intense color.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: glow or glower?
glow vs glower
Glower means to stare angrily, which is very different from glow, to shine softly.
Practice
The child's face ___ with excitement when she saw the cake.
Choose one answer.
Glow with excitement is the natural pattern for visible happiness. Glowered and glared mean looking angrily, and glanced is a quick look, so none fits.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “glow”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.