Meaning 1
Glowing with visible light or warm color.
Reach for it when describing a scene illuminated with gentle radiance
The windows were aglow with lantern light before dusk.
Meaning 2
Visibly bright with happiness, health, or excitement.
Reach for it when praising joy that can be seen in a person's expression
Nora was aglow after hearing that her scholarship had been renewed.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| playful | ||
| everyday | ||
| warm |
| |
| professional | ||
| literary |
|
warm
Fits when steady warm light is the straightforward image
Careful Glowing can describe praise or heat without a visible scene.
professional
Fits when an external light source is the factual cause
Careful Illuminated merely identifies light exposure and carries no promise of warmth or beauty.
literary
Fits when light seems to stream outward with exceptional beauty
Careful Radiant overstates a small, cozy light.
playful
Fits when healthy color in the face is the evidence
Careful Rosy can describe complexion without genuine happiness.
everyday
Fits when intense excitement is the actual emotion
Careful Someone can be thrilled without looking luminous or calm.
warm
Fits when a broad smile visibly expresses delight
Careful Beaming focuses on facial expression and cannot describe quiet health.
aglow with light
The reading room was aglow with light from shaded lamps.
windows aglow
Windows aglow along the lane welcomed the late walkers.
face aglow
Her face was aglow with pride as the bridge lights came on.
aglow with happiness
The newly reunited friends were aglow with happiness.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
Your browser isn't saving lists, so this one will be cleared when you leave the page.