Aglow
adj.joyful, energeticliterary
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.
Choose between these
3- warm
steady warm light is the straightforward image
not when Glowing can describe praise or heat without a visible scene.
- professional
an external light source is the factual cause
not when Illuminated merely identifies light exposure and carries no promise of warmth or beauty.
- literary
light seems to stream outward with exceptional beauty
not when Radiant overstates a small, cozy light.
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.
Choose between these
3- playful
healthy color in the face is the evidence
not when Rosy can describe complexion without genuine happiness.
- everyday
intense excitement is the actual emotion
not when Someone can be thrilled without looking luminous or calm.
- warm
a broad smile visibly expresses delight
not when Beaming focuses on facial expression and cannot describe quiet health.
Said against
4- dark
- unlit
- downcast
- wan
It naturally appears in
4- 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.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English adjective sense: glowing or shining opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, English adjective sense: radiant with emotion or health opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.