WordGarden.ioaglow
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /əɡlˈəʊ/
US
- /əˈɡloʊ/
Meanings
Adjective
glowing softly or brightly with light
radiant with warmth, pleasure, or excitement
Beyond the definition
Imagine fireflies on a warm summer night—they are aglow with their own soft light. To be aglow isn't just about shining; it's about radiating warmth, happiness, or beauty. A bride might be aglow with joy on her wedding day, and a freshly polished antique can be aglow with restored luster. It suggests an inner radiance spilling outward. In everyday speech, you wouldn't typically say a standard light bulb is aglow—it simply is lit. But you would say someone's face is aglow when they are filled with positive emotion.
The word "aglow" describes something that shines brightly, but not necessarily with a harsh or glaring light. It suggests a soft, warm radiance—a gentle illumination that seems to come from within. Think of embers in a fireplace, moonlight on water, or a person's face lit up by happiness.
"Aglow" often implies an emotional state as much as a physical one. A room filled with laughter might be described as aglow with merriment. Someone who is deeply satisfied or excited can be said to be aglow. It is more than just being happy; it's about visibly radiating that happiness outward.
You will often find "aglow" used in descriptive writing, particularly when trying to create a sense of warmth, beauty, or peacefulness. For example: "The forest floor was aglow with the golden light filtering through the trees," or "Her cheeks were aglow after a brisk walk in the cold air."
While it can describe physical objects that emit light (like a sunset aglow with color), "aglow" is most powerfully used to depict inner feelings and outward expressions of joy, health, or contentment. It's about more than just being bright—it's about radiating something beautiful from the inside out.
Examples
- 1
Window light
Through the falling snow, we could see the cabin windows aglow.
- 2
Emotional reaction
Her face was aglow with excitement after she got the job.
- Patternaglow with + feeling
clearly showing that feeling
- 3
Holiday lights
By dusk, the whole town was aglow with holiday lights.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- a glow
Used with (collocations)
- aglow with light
- aglow with color
- windows aglow
- sky aglow
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- aglowadjective