glimmer

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/ˈɡlɪmər/
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A weak wavering light, and by extension a faint appearance or small sign of hope, understanding, calm, or possibility.
Practice using glimmer in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Stars glimmered through the thin cloud.
  • They followed the glimmer of a torch ahead.
  • She noticed small glimmers during the day, like warm tea and kind messages.
  • A glimmer of recognition crossed his face.
  • Hope began to glimmer after the first good result.

Similar words

shimmer
flicker
glow
show
gleam
dawn
sparkle
sparkle
glimpse
suggestion

Meanings

Shine faintly

verb
light
neutral
To shine with a weak, unsteady, or soft light.

Examples

  • A single lamp glimmered at the end of the lane.
  • Stars glimmered through the thin cloud.
  • The wet stones glimmer after rain.
  • Her bracelet glimmered under the theatre lights.
  • Far below, the harbour lights began to glimmer.

Similar words

gleam
shimmer
flicker
sparkle
twinkle
glow

Appear faintly

verb
perception
neutral
To be barely seen, noticed, or understood, especially as something begins to emerge.

Examples

  • A possible compromise glimmered in the final hour.
  • The shape of the island glimmered through the mist.
  • A memory glimmered at the edge of his mind.
  • Hope began to glimmer after the first good result.
  • The meaning slowly glimmered as she reread the note.

Similar words

emerge
appear
surface
show
dawn
flicker

Faint light

noun
light
neutral
A small, weak, or wavering light.

Examples

  • A glimmer of moonlight touched the floor.
  • They followed the glimmer of a torch ahead.
  • Only a faint glimmer showed where the road curved.
  • The lake caught a silver glimmer at dawn.
  • A red glimmer appeared behind the smoke.

Similar words

gleam
shimmer
flicker
sparkle
twinkle
glow

Small sign or positive cue

noun
emotion
informal
A slight sign of a feeling, idea, or possibility, and in modern wellness use, a small cue that brings calm or safety.

Examples

  • The test result gave them a glimmer of hope.
  • A glimmer of recognition crossed his face.
  • She noticed small glimmers during the day, like warm tea and kind messages.
  • The proposal showed the first glimmer of a workable plan.
  • There was a glimmer of humor in his reply.

Similar words

hint
trace
spark
suggestion
sign
glimpse

Etymology

Recorded in English from the late Middle English period, probably related to Middle Low German or Middle Dutch forms meaning to shine faintly or sparkle.

FAQ

What does glimmer mean?

Glimmer means to shine faintly, a faint light, or a small sign of something such as hope or understanding.

Is glimmer a noun or a verb?

Glimmer is both. A light can glimmer, and a faint light or small sign can be a glimmer.

What is a glimmer of hope?

A glimmer of hope is a small sign that something may improve.

What are glimmers in mental health language?

Glimmers are small cues or moments that can bring calm, safety, joy, or comfort.

Where does glimmer come from?

Glimmer is recorded from late Middle English and is probably related to Germanic words for faint shining or sparkling.

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