Aglow

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /əˈɡloʊ/

Definitions

1. Shining softly with a warm light that brings forth a sense of energy and vibrancy
2. Emitting a bright and lively light or appearing brightly colored with warmth
3. Showing a vivid or luminous glow that suggests energy and life

Etymology: "Aglow" is built from two plain parts: the prefix "a-" and the verb "glow." The "a-" traces back through Middle English and Old English "on," a word meaning "on" or "in," which is also the source of the modern English "a" in phrases like "afire" or "asleep." Attached to a verb, this prefix gave the sense of a state or condition, so "aglow" describes something that is in the act of glowing. "Glow" itself is the older and more central piece, and the prefix simply shapes it into a description of a lit-up state. The result is a word that works well for skin flushed with warmth, a sunset, or a face lit from within, where the light seems to come from inside the thing rather than striking it from outside.

Synonyms: radiant, glowing

Antonyms: dark, dull