glimmer
glimmer — noun
- glimmersingular
- glimmersplural
1. a soft, unsteady light that is not strong, often seen from far away or through s
a soft, unsteady light that is not strong, often seen from far away or through something that partly blocks the view.
Mert saw a faint glimmer of candlelight through the cabin window.
a glimmer of [light source]
The only glimmer in the dark valley came from a distant farmhouse.
subject: 'the only glimmer' as scenic anchor
Andrés noticed a tiny glimmer on the surface of the lake at dusk.
A small glimmer from the lighthouse guided the fishing boats home.
文法句型
a glimmer of [light/something]
用法筆記
Subject is usually a weak or distant light source (candle, star, lamp seen through fog). Often paired with 'faint', 'small', or 'tiny' to emphasise weakness.
常見錯誤
2. a small first sign that something positive — such as hope, understanding, or imp
a small first sign that something positive — such as hope, understanding, or improvement — may exist or be starting.
After months of treatment, Nikhil's parents finally saw a glimmer of hope.
collocation: a glimmer of hope
There was a glimmer of recognition on Harper's face when the old song played.
collocation: a glimmer of recognition
Élise caught a glimmer of doubt in the lawyer's voice during the meeting.
The new policy offered a glimmer of relief for small business owners.
Even after the bad news, Nala held on to a glimmer of optimism.
- absence
complete lack of the quality
文法句型
a glimmer of [hope/recognition/understanding]
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the pattern 'a glimmer of [X]' where X is an abstract positive noun (hope, optimism, understanding) or a fleeting emotion (recognition, doubt). The 'small or just beginning' nuance distinguishes it from sense 1's literal light.
常見錯誤
glimmer — verb
- glimmerpresent simple I / you / we / they
- glimmers3rd person singular
- glimmering-ing form
- glimmeredpast simple
1. if a light source or shiny surface glimmers, it produces a soft, unsteady bright
if a light source or shiny surface glimmers, it produces a soft, unsteady brightness, especially when seen from far away or through fog, rain, or other partial cover.
A few stars glimmered above the village as Sivan walked home.
intransitive: [light source] glimmered
Candles glimmered on every table at Yumi's wedding reception.
glimmer + [location phrase]
Lights from the harbour glimmered through the heavy evening fog.
The wet road glimmered under the streetlamps after the rain stopped.
- blaze
burn or shine very brightly and steadily
文法句型
[light source] glimmer(s)
glimmer in/through [place]
用法筆記
Intransitive only. Subject is a weak light source or a wet/polished surface reflecting light. Frequently followed by a place phrase (in the distance, through the trees, on the water).