gleaming

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "gleaming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is shining brightly or reflecting light, often used in a positive context. Example: "The gleaming surface of the polished car caught everyone's attention as it sat under the sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You see it in the physical infrastructure: all those new flyovers sprouting up around the city to enable the chauffeur driven classes to get about more easily, even while the commuter trains are still bursting; the crowded, chaotic public hospitals that get by while gleaming new private hospitals open up.

The Guardian

AUSTRIA British snow is all very well, but it doesn't hold a candle to the gleaming white mountains of the Tyrol.

The Guardian - Travel

But if he does, the old king's face will be gleaming with a new waxy sheen.

The Guardian

Tony's gleaming head has been turned so much he put the wrong bin out.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

After almost two decades of planning and six years of building, the transformation of King's Cross station from a shabby crime spot to a gleaming public space has been completed with the opening of a 7,000 sq metre (75,000 sq ft) plaza, revealing the original brick facade for the first time in 150 years.

The Guardian

And the kitchen sink has never looked so gleaming.

The Guardian - Film

As I approached the building, I was struck by a gleaming, white stretch limo.

The Guardian - Music

One such battle is evident in Cardiff, in a form of facadist high farce, where the rusticated stone frontage of the Victorian Gas Light and Coke Company building lies stranded at the base of a gleaming white apartment tower.

The Guardian - Arts

She stalks the stage, cheekbones gleaming, singing with fire and moving with a profound sensuality.

The Guardian - Music

The building, a gleaming example of baroque revival architecture built in 1906, is the civic centrepiece of a once great industrial city.

The Guardian - Opinion

I set off on the Expressway across the Yamuna river and past the satellite city of Noida, with its gleaming call centres and apartment blocks.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gleaming" to describe surfaces that are clean, well-maintained, and reflecting light in an appealing way. It often implies a sense of pride or care in the object being described.

Common error

Avoid using "gleaming" to describe something unpleasant or sinister, as it typically carries a positive connotation. Instead of a "gleaming weapon" consider alternatives like "polished weapon" or "shiny weapon" if you are aiming for a neutral description.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gleaming" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their bright, reflective quality. As supported by Ludwig AI, it often conveys a positive or attractive appearance, as seen in examples like "gleaming new hotels" and "gleaming white mountains."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Travel

14%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gleaming" functions as an adjective to describe something with a bright and attractive shine. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's frequently found in news articles, travel writing, and descriptions of art and architecture, used to emphasize visual appeal and quality. While generally neutral in register, overuse in negative contexts should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "shining" or "radiant" for similar meanings. Its prevalence across diverse sources indicates a strong integration into contemporary English vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shining

This is a direct synonym, indicating a bright and reflective quality.

radiant

Implies a source of light or energy, suggesting a strong and beautiful shine.

luminous

Suggests the object emits light, either naturally or artificially.

sparkling

Indicates a flickering or intermittent shine, often associated with small points of light.

glimmering

Suggests a soft, unsteady light, like a faint reflection.

glistening

Implies a wet or oily shine, often from a smooth surface.

shimmering

Indicates a wavering or fluctuating shine, like heat haze.

burnished

Suggests a polished shine, often achieved through rubbing or treatment.

polished

Refers to the result of a smoothing action, giving a shiny or glossy appearance.

lustrous

Implies a soft and reflected light, from a smooth or refined surface.

FAQs

How can I use "gleaming" in a sentence?

You can use "gleaming" to describe something that is shining brightly, such as "The car had a gleaming paint job" or "Her eyes were gleaming with excitement".

What are some synonyms for "gleaming"?

Alternatives include "shining", "radiant", and "lustrous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gleaming" to describe something dark or negative?

Generally, "gleaming" has a positive connotation. Using it in a dark or negative context might create an unusual or ironic effect. Consider alternatives like "glinting" or "shimmering" for a more neutral tone.

What is the difference between "gleaming" and "glittering"?

"Gleaming" suggests a smooth, steady shine, while "glittering" implies a bright, sparkling, and often fragmented light. A freshly polished surface might be described as "gleaming", whereas jewelry covered in sequins would be described as "glittering".