gloam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gloam" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to twilight or dusk, often in a poetic or literary context. Example: "As the sun dipped below the horizon, the gloam settled over the valley, casting a serene glow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The gloam connotes a physical medium, perhaps like the ether.

The New Yorker

One contributor had this to say about his pick, the word gloam: The gloam is like a dreamscape.

The New Yorker

He gives us, for example, rememorating, producement, curvate, habitude, rummers, familistic, gloam, dit, shippon and scrab.

The New Yorker

Squatting in the gloam a few metres away, Nour, a teenage student from Syria, is similarly phlegmatic.

The Guardian

Persuasively disguised as a boy, she leaves her cloistered world and heads into the gloam, where she meets a band of soldiers under the command of a cool, seemingly aloof lieutenant (Pascal Greggory).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Moons, both crescent and full, provide a thin light in the gloaming.

The Economist

It is this hibernal gloaming that makes "a perfect noir setting" of Copenhagen, Bluett thinks.

The Economist

Directed from the harpsichord by Christian Curnyn, the orchestra swarms around Connolly's delirious, furious voice, an eerie cloud of muted strings and fluttering recorders, the gloaming to the arc light of trumpets and oboes that greets Creon (Brindley Sherratt, Jason Jeffrey Francisis), and the swaggering American airman Orontes (Roderick Williams).

Independent

**** Munich, 28 May 2006 In the gloaming, the wide, reclining banks of the Olympic Stadium in Munich burst with life, while, down the steps at the furthest end of the stadium, the floor has filled like an ant colony.

Independent

In the gloaming on Thursday, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had been forced to the limits of his own exotic talent by the 20-year-old Bulgarian, Grigor Dimitrov.

Independent

In the end, neither George Washington nor Bernardini could light up the gloaming here last night, though the 23rd Breeders' Cup Classic revealed a true champion none the less.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gloam" in literary or descriptive contexts where a poetic or slightly archaic tone is desired. It adds a sense of atmosphere and can evoke a feeling of mystery or tranquility.

Common error

Avoid using "gloam" too frequently in contemporary writing, as it may sound overly stylized or affected. Reserve it for situations where its specific nuance and aesthetic contribute significantly to the text.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gloam" is as a noun, referring to the period of twilight or dusk. It can also function as a verb meaning to grow dark. Ludwig AI provides examples of both usages, showing its versatility in creating evocative descriptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gloam" is a noun that refers to twilight or dusk, often used in literary or descriptive contexts to create a specific atmosphere. Ludwig AI shows that while grammatically correct, its usage is relatively uncommon in modern writing. The word is frequently found in news and media sources, often adding a poetic or slightly archaic tone. For more common alternatives, consider using "twilight" or "dusk". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twilight

Refers to the period of fading light between day and night; a more common synonym for "gloam".

dusk

Similar to twilight, indicating the darker part of twilight.

crepuscule

A more formal or literary term for twilight, similar in meaning to "gloam".

nightfall

The time when night begins; implies a more complete darkness than "gloam".

evening

A broader term referring to the period from late afternoon to night.

fading light

Describes the process of light decreasing, leading to darkness.

sundown

Similar to sunset, marking the end of daylight and the beginning of evening.

sunset

Focuses on the specific moment the sun disappears below the horizon, leading to twilight.

shadows

Highlights the increasing presence of darkness and obscured light.

dim light

A general term for low-level illumination, lacking the specific temporal association of "gloam".

FAQs

What does the word "gloam" mean?

The word "gloam" refers to twilight or dusk, the period of fading light at the end of the day.

How can I use "gloam" in a sentence?

You can use "gloam" to describe the atmosphere or lighting at twilight, such as "The hikers reached the summit in the "gloaming"".

What are some synonyms for "gloam"?

Synonyms for "gloam" include "twilight", "dusk", and "crepuscule". These words all refer to the period of fading light between day and night.

Is it correct to use "gloaming" instead of "gloam"?

"Gloaming" is a more common and widely accepted term for twilight than "gloam", but both refer to the same period of fading light.