Glow vs. Glowing — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
"Glow" refers to a steady light emitted by a source, while "glowing" is the adjective describing something that emits light or appears radiant.
Difference Between Glow and Glowing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Glow" often denotes the light itself emitted by a source, such as the soft light of a candle or the natural light of fireflies. On the other hand, "glowing" is used to describe the appearance or condition of an object or person that is emitting light or radiating warmth.
"Glow" can also imply a state of warmth or health, as seen in expressions like "a healthy glow." Whereas, "glowing" can refer to an object or a person that literally shines with light or figuratively radiates a quality, like happiness or health.
In a metaphorical sense, "glow" is used to represent feelings of happiness or contentment, reflecting a positive internal state. Conversely, "glowing" might be used to describe someone’s appearance or review that is exceptionally positive, enhancing the connotation of approval or health.
"Glow" can be used as both a noun and a verb, which allows it to describe the act of emitting light as well as the light itself. On the other hand, "glowing" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns by attributing qualities of light emission or radiance to them.
While "glow" is a general term and can be applied in various contexts from natural phenomena to beauty products, "glowing" is more specific, often used to emphasize the intensity or noticeable quality of the glow.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Adjective
Usage
Describes light or warmth emitted or felt
Describes something that emits light or looks radiant
Context
Can refer to light, warmth, or a state of being
Often used to describe the quality or state of an object/person
Literal vs Figurative
Both
Primarily figurative
Common Phrases
"a soft glow," "glow with health"
"glowing review," "glowing skin"
Compare with Definitions
Glow
A soft and steady light.
The glow from the fireplace created a cozy atmosphere.
Glowing
Highly enthusiastic or favorable.
He gave a glowing report of the new restaurant.
Glow
A look of health or vitality.
His cheeks had a healthy glow after the jog.
Glowing
Emitting light; shining.
The glowing embers were still warm.
Glow
To exhibit a strong emotion.
She seemed to glow with pride at her accomplishment.
Glowing
Radiating happiness or pride.
She was glowing with happiness on her wedding day.
Glow
A feeling of warmth or heat.
She felt a pleasant glow after the brisk walk.
Glowing
Luminous or bright in color.
The artist used glowing colors to capture the sunset.
Glow
To emit light softly.
The lamp glowed gently in the dark room.
Glowing
Appearing very healthy or warm.
Her skin was glowing after the spa treatment.
Glow
Give out steady light without flame
The tips of their cigarettes glowed in the dark
Glowing
To shine brightly and steadily, especially without a flame
Embers glowed in the furnace.
Glow
A steady radiance of light or heat
The setting sun cast a deep red glow over the city
Glowing
To have a bright, warm, usually reddish color
The children's cheeks glowed from the cold.
Glow
To shine brightly and steadily, especially without a flame
Embers glowed in the furnace.
Glowing
To flush; blush.
Glow
To have a bright, warm, usually reddish color
The children's cheeks glowed from the cold.
Glowing
To be exuberant or radiant
Parents glowing with pride.
Glow
To flush; blush.
Glowing
A light produced by a body heated to luminosity; incandescence.
Glow
To be exuberant or radiant
Parents glowing with pride.
Glowing
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).
Glow
A light produced by a body heated to luminosity; incandescence.
Glowing
A sensation of physical warmth.
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).
Glowing
A warm feeling, as of pleasure or well-being.
Glow
A sensation of physical warmth.
Glowing
Present participle of glow
Glow
A warm feeling, as of pleasure or well-being.
Glowing
The action of the verb glow.
Glow
To emit light as if heated.
The fire was still glowing after ten hours.
Glowing
That glows or glow.
Glowing embers
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.
Glowing
(figuratively) Full of praise.
He received glowing references from his previous employers.
Glow
To display intense emotion.
The zealots glowed with religious fervor.
You are glowing from happiness!
Glowing
Softly bright or radiant.
Glow
To gaze especially passionately at something.
Glowing
Highly enthusiastic; as, glowing praise.
Glow
To shine brightly and steadily.
The new baby's room glows with bright, loving colors.
Glowing
Brilliantly colored and apparently giving off light.
Glow
(transitive) To make hot; to flush.
Glowing
Afire; as, glowing embers.
Glow
(intransitive) To feel hot; to have a burning sensation, as of the skin, from friction, exercise, etc.; to burn.
Glowing
The amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface
Glow
To be related to or part of an (chiefly online) undercover sting operation, especially by American federal agencies.
Glowing
Softly bright or radiant;
A house aglow with lights
Glowing embers
Lambent tongues of flame
The lucent moon
A sky luminous with stars
Glow
To expose someone to the authorities.
Glowing
Highly enthusiastic;
Glowing praise
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
Can "glow" be used figuratively?
Yes, "glow" can be used figuratively to describe a state of happiness or health.
How does "glow" function in a sentence compared to "glowing"?
"Glow" can function as a noun or verb, indicating the act or condition of emitting light, whereas "glowing" is used as an adjective to describe attributes of other nouns.
What is the basic difference between glow and glowing?
"Glow" is a noun or verb related to the emission of light or warmth, while "glowing" is an adjective describing something that radiates light or appears radiant.
Can "glowing" refer to something negative?
Rarely. "Glowing" generally has positive connotations, though creatively, it could be used to describe something ominously luminous or warningly bright.
Can "glow" be used to describe sounds or smells?
Typically, "glow" is not used to describe sounds or smells, as it specifically pertains to visual or tactile sensations of light and warmth.
What are some synonyms for "glow" and "glowing" when referring to a person's appearance?
For "glow," synonyms could include radiance or bloom, while "glowing" might be replaced with luminous or radiant.
Can "glowing" be used metaphorically? If so, how?
Yes, metaphorically, "glowing" can describe someone who is thriving or exhibiting a positive attribute, like "glowing with success" or "glowing with pride."
Are there any idiomatic expressions that include "glow"?
Yes, an example is "in the glow of" which refers to experiencing or being surrounded by a particular feeling or atmosphere, like "in the glow of victory."
How does the usage of "glowing" change in scientific contexts?
In scientific contexts, "glowing" often describes phenomena like bioluminescence or fluorescence, where it refers to the emission of light by organisms or materials.
What is an example of "glow" used as a verb?
"Glow" as a verb is used to describe the act of emitting light, for example, "The candles glow softly in the dark room."
Is "glowing" only used in positive contexts?
Mostly, yes. "Glowing" typically describes positive attributes like health, warmth, or approval.
What differentiates "glow" from "shine" and "glowing" from "shining"?
"Glow" suggests a softer, often warmer light compared to "shine," which implies a brighter, more intense light. Similarly, "glowing" implies warmth and is often used figuratively, whereas "shining" is typically more literal and focused on the intensity of light.
Is "glowing" ever used in technology?
Yes, "glowing" is used in technology to describe elements like glowing LED lights or glowing screens, emphasizing their bright and visible qualities.
What part of speech is "glow" most commonly used as in everyday speech?
In everyday speech, "glow" is most commonly used as a noun to describe a type of light or a sensation of warmth.
How does "glowing" enhance descriptive writing?
"Glowing" enhances descriptive writing by adding a vivid visual component that suggests brightness, health, or positivity, enriching the imagery.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
