Basic Details
Word: Gleam
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To shine brightly, especially with reflected light.
Synonyms: Glow, shine, glimmer, sparkle
Antonyms: Dull, fade, darken
Idioms and Phrases
- Gleam in one's eye: A look of excitement or enthusiasm. Example: "When she spoke about her dream of becoming a doctor, there was a gleam in her eye."
- Gleam of hope: A small sign of hope in a difficult situation. Example: "Even in tough times, he held onto a gleam of hope that things would get better."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The sun began to rise, causing the lake to gleam like diamonds in the early morning light.
Example 2: She polished the silver spoon until it shone with a lovely gleam.
Example 3: As he opened the box, a gleam of excitement spread across his face at the surprise inside.
Fun Fact
The word "gleam" comes from the Old English word "gleamian," which means to shine or to glimmer. It has been used in the English language for many centuries!
Famous Quote
"There is a gleam of light that shines at the end of the darkest tunnel." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "gleam" mean?
a) To make noise
b) To shine brightly
c) To run fast
d) To cook food
Answer: b) To shine brightly
2. Which of these is a synonym of "gleam"?
a) Dull
b) Fade
c) Glow
d) Darken
Answer: c) Glow
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "gleam"?
a) Brighten
b) Shimmer
c) Dull
d) Sparkle
Answer: c) Dull
4. Which sentence uses "gleam" correctly?
a) The stars began to gleam in the night sky.
b) The dog wants to gleam all the time.
c) She liked to gleam her homework.
d) The chef will gleam the pasta for dinner.
Answer: a) The stars began to gleam in the night sky.
5. Which idiom means a little bit of hope?
a) Gleam in one's eye
b) Gleam of hope
c) Time to shine
d) Bright as a button
Answer: b) Gleam of hope
