glow
To emit a steady, soft light without a flame. / To look healthy, happy, or excited, often showing a reddish tint in the face. / A soft, warm light emanating from a source.
Intransitive VerbTransitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: glowspast: glowedpp: gloweding: glowingcomp: more glowingsup: most glowing
This word evokes a sense of warmth and stability rather than the flashing or piercing quality of a spark or a laser. It suggests an internal energy source, whether that is a chemical reaction in a firefly or a surge of emotion in a human being. It is almost always positive, associated with comfort, health, or spiritual peace.
When used to describe people, it implies a radiance that cannot be hidden, often linked to pregnancy, love, or sudden success. It differs from shining, which can be harsh or blinding, by remaining gentle and inviting to the eye.
Countable when referring to a specific instance of light, like a faint glow on the horizon. Uncountable when referring to the general quality of radiance.
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Related Words
beamradiateluminescenceshimmergleamblushdarkenfadedimlightfireemberheatphosphorescencefluorescenceincandescenceradianceluminositybrightnessaurahalobloomflushrosywarmthsunlightmoonlightstarlightneonlampcandletorchlanternsparkflamecoalashinfraredspectrumphotonplasmaenergyelectricitybioluminescencechemiluminescencehappinessjoysatisfactionprideeuphoriahealthvitalitycomplexionskinmakeupbeautytransformationimprovementmetamorphosisradiantluminousshiningglitteringglisteningbeamingeffulgencelustersheenglaze