Glow

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Glow

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

gloh  /ɡləʊ/

Definition

As a verb: to emit a steady light and heat; to have a healthy, warm colour in the face; to experience a strong feeling of pleasure or satisfaction. As a noun: a steady light; a warm colour in the face; a strong feeling of pleasure or well-being.

Plain meaning

A glow is a warm, steady light — like embers, or a warm complexion, or the feeling of contentment after exercise. To glow means to emit this kind of warmth, physically or emotionally.

Register

Warm and positive. Glow and its derivatives (glowing, aglow) are strongly positive words. A glowing review, a glowing endorsement, glowing health: the word reliably conveys warmth and well-being. One of English's more emotionally comfortable words.