aglow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aglow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is glowing or radiating light, often in a figurative sense to convey warmth or happiness. Example: "The garden was aglow with the colors of blooming flowers under the setting sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The doctor's face radiated enthusiasm; his eyes glittered, his purple cheeks were aglow, the veins in his temples stood out strongly, and he breathed heavily through dilated nostrils.

The Guardian - Books

As the session comes to an end, the capitol is often aglow with late nights and high feelings.

The Economist

This summary of their remarks from Tiernan Ray of Barron's is not exactly aglow with superlatives:Alan Blinder, Princeton University: The TARP spread a security blanket, tamping down risk spreads, and so in that sense it was successful.

The Economist

Back from China, both sides aglow with friendship, he said he expected the group to reach a "favourable decision" soon.

The Economist

Back in Vientiane, my face scored with sunburn and soul sufficiently aglow with adventure, I'm ready for a bit of that comfort.

Independent

But the building the monkey is attached to, the great 15th-century Town Hall, should absolutely not be passed by – particularly its massive single upper floor, a series of cavernous dark woodpanelled halls divided by low flights of steps, aglow with huge paintings and gilded carving.

Independent

Indulge any magpie tendencies as you wander past shops aglow with Moorish glass lanterns and glinting jewellery; and follow your nose to backstreet tavernas dishing up salty calamari and roast lamb.

Independent

Done, right however, it can really set the red carpet aglow.

Independent

The sunrise splinters through the high trees, warming our damp bodies and setting the stones aglow.

Independent

Roger's first great building, the cathedral at Cefalù, shows little Saracenic influence, but the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, conceived on a Latin plan and aglow with Byzantine mosaics, is topped by a stalactite roof of pure Arab workmanship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We will think of you when the woods are white with dogwood... and when our world is aglow with the beauty of a summer sunset, for we know how much you enjoy the beauty of our county and how much you are going to miss these things.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aglow" to evoke a sense of warmth and gentle radiance, whether describing a physical object or an emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "aglow" in technical or scientific contexts where a more precise term for luminescence is required. Stick to more neutral terms like "illuminated" or "radiant".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "aglow" is as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state of emitting light or radiating a particular quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this adjective is used to illustrate a sense of warmth or radiance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "aglow" paints a picture of gentle radiance, whether physical or emotional. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and sees frequent use, especially in journalistic and descriptive writing. While it may not fit in technical contexts, its capacity to evoke warmth and beauty makes it a valuable tool. Alternatives like "radiant" or "luminous" can offer similar nuances, but "aglow" carries a unique charm for setting a scene or describing a feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

radiant

Emphasizes the quality of emitting light or joy, similar to "aglow" but often with a stronger sense of brightness.

glowing

A more direct and literal synonym, focusing on the act of emitting light.

illuminated

Highlights the state of being lit up, often externally, differing from the inherent radiance of "aglow".

luminous

Suggests a soft, diffused light, implying elegance and subtle radiance unlike the directness of "aglow".

beaming

Conveys a strong sense of happiness or pride radiating from a person, extending "aglow" into an emotional expression.

shining

Focuses on the act of emitting light, which can be either literal or figurative. It is similar to "aglow" but less nuanced.

effulgent

Describes a brilliant radiance. It is a more formal and literary term than "aglow".

resplendent

Emphasizes impressiveness and splendor, which can imply a sense of reflected light, distinguishing it from the direct glow of "aglow".

ablaze

Implies a more intense, fiery light than "aglow", often used in dramatic or energetic contexts.

gleaming

Suggests a bright, reflective shine, often from a polished surface, in contrast to the inherent light of "aglow".

FAQs

How can I use "aglow" in a sentence?

You can use "aglow" to describe something that is radiating light or a feeling. For example, "The sunset left the sky aglow with vibrant colors," or "Her face was aglow with happiness".

What is a good alternative to "aglow"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "radiant", "glowing", or "luminous".

Is "aglow" a formal word?

"Aglow" is generally considered a neutral to slightly literary term. While not strictly formal, it's more common in descriptive writing than in everyday conversation. It's well suited for news articles or descriptive prose.

What's the difference between "aglow" and "glowing"?

"Glowing" is a more general term for emitting light, while "aglow" often implies a softer, more gentle radiance, frequently associated with positive emotions or beauty. The phrase "glowing" is a present participle that indicates action, on the other hand "aglow" is an adjective that indicates a state.