feeble glow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeble glow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or faint light, often evoking a sense of dimness or lack of intensity. Example: "The feeble glow of the candle barely illuminated the dark room, casting long shadows on the walls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Our bedroom may look like a seedy motel, but at least we can bask in the feeble glow of knowing we're doing our bit for the planet.

Independent

But the game, though played by clumsy midgets under the feeble glow of the arc lights, began to tug at my attention, and I loitered in the runway until it was over.

The New Yorker

I wished that Luisa's sheets would slide off her and wake her up, that she would notice my absence and, like me, go out onto the balcony, that she would see me down below, by the swimming pool, in the feeble glow cast by the moon on the water, and summon me upstairs.

The New Yorker

"Who opposes street lighting," he demanded, "if not those ruffians who profit from the darkness of the night?" And then, in a barbed reference to the intellectual monopolists whose feeble glow depended on surrounding gloom and the ignorance of others: "A firefly only glows at night".

The Guardian

It was the chintziest piece of garbage I've seen in a long time, and I had to help him put together this thing, which after some tinkering finally emitted a feeble glow.

TechCrunch

It's a cavernous hall with high ceilings, from which dingy fluorescent lights emit a feeble glow that gives everyone there an unhealthy pallor.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Every so often, a high-energy gamma ray from outer space hits Earth's upper atmosphere, creating a cascade of particles that emit a feeble, bluish glow.

Science Magazine

The glow of cellphones and a feeble flashlight lit a passage into the darkness.

The New York Times

Hubble Space Telescope images show that the explosion of supernova SN 2012Z was weak enough to leave a feeble "zombie star"—a helium core missing its hydrogen envelope (shown glowing blue in the right inset).

Science Magazine

After the feeble light was switched off, I could see the dark plains passing, the low scrub, the boulders glowing, smooth and bluish in the moonlight.

The New Yorker

Feeble labeling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeble glow" to create a sense of fragility, vulnerability, or inadequacy in the lighting of a scene. This can be particularly effective in setting a mood of suspense, mystery, or decay.

Common error

Avoid using "feeble glow" excessively in overly sentimental or melodramatic contexts. Overuse can dilute the impact of the phrase and make the writing seem contrived or cliché. Consider varying your descriptive language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeble glow" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "feeble" modifies the noun "glow", indicating a weak or faint emanation of light. Ludwig AI provides several examples where the phrase is used to depict scenes with minimal illumination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeble glow" describes a weak or faint light, often used to set a specific mood or atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts. While not exceptionally common, the phrase is utilized in both news and scientific publications. For alternative expressions, consider "weak light" or "dim radiance". When using "feeble glow", be mindful of overuse in overly sentimental contexts to avoid diluting its impact. In conclusion, "feeble glow" is a useful descriptive phrase when a subtle, weak illumination is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak light

Replaces "glow" with the more general term "light", emphasizing the lack of strength.

dim radiance

Substitutes "feeble" with "dim" and "glow" with "radiance" for a slightly more poetic effect.

faint glimmer

Emphasizes the intermittent or wavering nature of the light by using "glimmer".

soft luminescence

Replaces "feeble" with "soft" and "glow" with "luminescence", suggesting a gentle light.

subdued light

Focuses on the reduced intensity of the light.

pale light

Highlights the lack of color or vibrancy in the glow.

tenuous light

Indicates a light that is barely perceptible or maintained.

weak glimmering

Combines the sense of weakness with an intermittent light source.

barely visible light

Directly expresses the minimal visibility of the light.

slight illumination

Focuses on the limited ability of the light to provide brightness.

FAQs

How can I use "feeble glow" in a sentence?

You can use "feeble glow" to describe a weak or faint light source. For example, "The room was lit by the "feeble glow" of a single candle."

What are some synonyms for "feeble glow"?

Alternatives to "feeble glow" include "dim radiance", "faint glimmer", or "weak light" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feeble glow" a formal or informal expression?

"Feeble glow" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and style of the writing than its inherent formality.

What's the difference between "feeble glow" and "bright light"?

While "feeble glow" suggests a weak, faint light, "bright light" implies a strong, intense illumination. The choice depends on the specific lighting conditions you're describing.