glimmering: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, poetic, descriptive; also used in general figurative language.
Quick answer
What does “glimmering” mean?
A faint, unsteady, or intermittent light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A faint, unsteady, or intermittent light; a weak or slight shining.
A faint sign, trace, or indication of something (e.g., an emotion, understanding, or possibility); an inkling or a weak manifestation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use it similarly.
Connotations
Equally poetic/literary in both varieties.
Frequency
Low-to-mid frequency in both, slightly more common in literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “glimmering” in a Sentence
[Noun] + of + [Noun] (a glimmering of hope)See a/the glimmering of [Noun]Without a glimmering of [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glimmering” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- A light was glimmering in the cottage window across the moor.
- Hope still glimmered faintly in her heart.
American English
- Lights glimmered on the surface of the lake.
- A possibility of compromise glimmered for a brief moment.
adverb
British English
- The jewels shone glimmeringly under the display lights.
American English
- The screen glowed glimmeringly in the dark room.
adjective
British English
- We followed the glimmering path of moonlight on the water.
- He had only a glimmering awareness of the danger.
American English
- She saw the glimmering eyes of an animal in the bushes.
- The glimmering prospect of success kept him going.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Figuratively: 'There was a glimmering of a potential deal in the new quarter.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis, history (e.g., 'the first glimmerings of the Renaissance'), and philosophy to denote nascent ideas.
Everyday
Used figuratively for hope or understanding: 'I saw a glimmering of recognition in his eyes.'
Technical
Possible in optics/photography to describe a faint light source, but 'glimmer' is more standard.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glimmering”
- Using 'glimmering' as a common synonym for 'light' (it must be faint/unsteady). Incorrect: 'The glimmering of the sun was bright.' Correct: 'The glimmering of the stars was faint.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly used as a noun (e.g., 'a glimmering of light') and an adjective (e.g., 'glimmering lights'). The verb form is 'glimmer'.
Typically not. It is strongly tied to the visual domain (light) and its figurative extensions (hope, understanding). Using it for sound or smell would be highly poetic and unusual.
'Glimmer' suggests a faint, wavering light. 'Gleam' is a steady, bright, often reflected flash of light. 'Glisten' implies a sparkling reflection from a wet or oily surface.
It is not highly formal, but it is more literary and descriptive than everyday vocabulary. It's perfectly acceptable in academic and creative writing.
A faint, unsteady, or intermittent light.
Glimmering: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɪmərɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɪmərɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not a glimmering of a chance”
- “a glimmering on the horizon”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: GLIMMER + ING. A GLIMMER is a faint light, and -ING makes it the act or instance of that light. Think of a 'glimmering candle' in the dark.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING/IDEA IS LIGHT; HOPE IS LIGHT. 'A glimmering of an idea' frames the idea as a weak, emerging light.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'glimmering' used most appropriately?