Glimmer vs. Glow — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 5, 2024
Glimmer refers to a faint, often intermittent light, while glow signifies a steady, continuous light emitted by a source.
Difference Between Glimmer and Glow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Glimmer implies a subtle or slight light that may appear and disappear, suggesting a flicker or a shimmer. On the other hand, glow denotes a more constant luminosity, often seen in objects like embers, lamps, or bioluminescent creatures.
A glimmer is often associated with reflections or small particles catching light, giving off brief flashes. Conversely, glow is typically associated with heat or a chemical reaction, such as phosphorescence or fluorescence, providing a more persistent light.
In terms of visibility, a glimmer can be elusive and hard to notice, particularly in well-lit conditions. Meanwhile, a glow is usually more discernible and can illuminate its surroundings, often adding a soft light to the dark.
The metaphorical use of glimmer frequently conveys hope or the inception of an idea, suggesting something emergent and fleeting. On the contrary, glow metaphorically conveys warmth, health, or a well-established presence or feeling.
While the light from a glimmer might come from reflected light or a small source, the light from a glow often emanates from something that is self-luminous or radiates heat, such as glowing coals or a light bulb.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A faint or shimmering light
A steady light from a particular source
Light Quality
Intermittent, subtle
Constant, often soft
Source
Reflection, small particles
Heat, chemical reactions
Visibility
Difficult to discern, fleeting
Clearly visible, illuminative
Metaphorical Use
Hope, emerging ideas
Warmth, health, established presence
Compare with Definitions
Glimmer
A faint or wavering light.
A glimmer of sunlight peeked through the clouds.
Glow
To shine brightly and steadily, especially without a flame.
The lamp glowed softly in the corner.
Glimmer
Reflecting light weakly or momentarily.
The dewdrops glimmered on the grass at dawn.
Glow
A steady radiance of light or heat.
The glow from the fireplace warmed the room.
Glimmer
A weak or intermittent shine or sparkle.
The distant lighthouse sent a glimmer across the dark sea.
Glow
A healthy look on someone’s face indicating warmth or vitality.
After her jog, her cheeks had a healthy glow.
Glimmer
A slight indication or hint.
There was a glimmer of hope in his words.
Glow
A feeling of well-being or pleasure.
She felt a warm glow after receiving good news.
Glimmer
To shine faintly or intermittently.
The stars glimmered in the night sky.
Glow
Luminosity resulting from great heat.
The metal glowed red-hot in the furnace.
Glimmer
A dim or intermittent flicker or flash of light.
Glow
Give out steady light without flame
The tips of their cigarettes glowed in the dark
Glimmer
A faint manifestation or indication; a trace
A glimmer of understanding.
Glow
A steady radiance of light or heat
The setting sun cast a deep red glow over the city
Glimmer
To emit a dim, intermittent light
"The ocean glimmered on her left like an iridescent pewter bowl" (Elizabeth Adler).
Glow
To shine brightly and steadily, especially without a flame
Embers glowed in the furnace.
Glimmer
To be reflected in dim, intermittent flashes
"Starlight glimmered on rusty metal" (David Drake).
Glow
To have a bright, warm, usually reddish color
The children's cheeks glowed from the cold.
Glimmer
To appear faintly or indistinctly
Hope still glimmered in our minds.
Glow
To flush; blush.
Glimmer
A faint light; a dim glow.
The glimmer of the fireflies was pleasant to watch.
Glow
To be exuberant or radiant
Parents glowing with pride.
Glimmer
A flash of light.
Glow
A light produced by a body heated to luminosity; incandescence.
Glimmer
A faint or remote possibility.
A glimmer of hope
Glow
Brilliance or warmth of color, especially redness
"the evening glow of the city streets when the sun has gone behind the tallest houses" (Seán O'Faoláin).
Glimmer
Mica.
Glow
A sensation of physical warmth.
Glimmer
(intransitive) To shine with a faint, unsteady light.
The fireflies glimmered in the dark.
The glimmering dawn; a glimmering lamp
Glow
A warm feeling, as of pleasure or well-being.
Glimmer
To give feeble or scattered rays of light; to shine faintly; to show a faint, unsteady light; as, the glimmering dawn; a glimmering lamp.
The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day.
Glow
To emit light as if heated.
The fire was still glowing after ten hours.
Glimmer
A faint, unsteady light; feeble, scattered rays of light; also, a gleam.
Gloss of satin and glimmer of pearls.
Glow
(copulative) To radiate thermal heat.
Iron glows red hot when heated to near its melting point.
After their workout, the gymnasts' faces were glowing red.
Glimmer
Mica. See Mica.
Glow
To display intense emotion.
The zealots glowed with religious fervor.
You are glowing from happiness!
Glimmer
A flash of light (especially reflected light)
Glow
To gaze especially passionately at something.
Glimmer
A slight suggestion or vague understanding;
He had no inkling what was about to happen
Glow
To shine brightly and steadily.
The new baby's room glows with bright, loving colors.
Glimmer
Shine brightly, like a star or a light
Glow
(transitive) To make hot; to flush.
Glow
(intransitive) To feel hot; to have a burning sensation, as of the skin, from friction, exercise, etc.; to burn.
Glow
To be related to or part of an (chiefly online) undercover sting operation, especially by American federal agencies.
Glow
To expose someone to the authorities.
Glow
To create a threatening online post that may involve violence, and look suspicious enough to attract a police investigation.
Glow
The light given off by a glowing object.
Glow
The condition of being passionate or having warm feelings.
Glow
The brilliance or warmth of color in an environment or on a person (especially one's face).
He had a bright red glow on his face.
Glow
To shine with an intense or white heat; to give forth vivid light and heat; to be incandescent.
Glows in the stars, and blossoms in the trees.
Glow
To exhibit a strong, bright color; to be brilliant, as if with heat; to be bright or red with heat or animation, with blushes, etc.
Clad in a gown that glows with Tyrian rays.
And glow with shame of your proceedings.
Glow
To feel hot; to have a burning sensation, as of the skin, from friction, exercise, etc.; to burn.
Did not his temples glowIn the same sultry winds and acrching heats?
The cord slides swiftly through his glowing hands.
Glow
To feel the heat of passion; to be animated, as by intense love, zeal, anger, etc.; to rage, as passior; as, the heart glows with love, zeal, or patriotism.
With pride it mounts, and with revenge it glows.
Burns with one love, with one resentment glows.
Glow
To make hot; to flush.
Fans, whose wind did seemTo glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool.
Glow
White or red heat; incandscence.
Glow
Brightness or warmth of color; redness; a rosy flush; as, the glow of health in the cheeks.
Glow
Intense excitement or earnestness; vehemence or heat of passion; ardor.
The red glow of scorn.
Glow
Heat of body; a sensation of warmth, as that produced by exercise, etc.
Glow
An alert and refreshed state
Glow
Light from nonthermal sources
Glow
The phenomenon of light emission by a body as its temperature is raised
Glow
A feeling of considerable warmth;
The glow of new love
A glow of regret
Glow
A steady even light without flames
Glow
The amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface
Glow
An appearance of reflected light
Glow
Emit a steady even light without flames;
The fireflies were glowing and flying about in the garden
Glow
Especially of the complexion: show a strong bright color, such as red or pink;
Her face glowed when she came out of the sauna
Glow
Shine intensely, as if with heat;
The coals were glowing in the dark
The candles were burning
Glow
Be exuberant or high-spirited;
Make the people's hearts glow
Glow
Experience a feeling of well-being or happiness, as from good health or an intense emotion;
She was beaming with joy
Her face radiated with happiness
Common Curiosities
Does a glimmer always indicate light?
While often associated with light, glimmer can also metaphorically suggest a hint or trace of something.
How does something glow?
Glowing usually results from objects being sufficiently hot to emit light or through luminescence.
What typically causes a glimmer?
A glimmer is typically caused by light reflecting off surfaces or small, intermittent sources.
What emotions are linked to glow?
Glow tends to convey feelings of warmth, health, or happiness.
Can glimmer and glow be used as verbs?
Yes, both can describe the action of emitting light, with "glimmer" suggesting a faint light and "glow" a steady one.
What are common sources of glow?
Common sources include fire, heated objects, and some animals and plants through bioluminescence.
Is glowing always related to temperature?
Not always; glowing can also occur through chemical reactions without heat, as in glow sticks.
Can glimmer be seen during the day?
Glimmers are often too faint to be seen in daylight, being more noticeable in dimmer conditions.
What emotions are associated with glimmer?
Glimmer often conveys subtle or hopeful emotions.
Can a glimmer illuminate a space?
A glimmer typically provides insufficient light to illuminate an area effectively.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
