aglow
UK[əˈɡləʊ]US[əˈɡloʊ]
adj
Shining with light and color, especially with a warm, soft light.
adj
Showing a warm color or a strong positive feeling.
Morpheme Breakdown
a
glow
a
prefix
glow
Etymology
The word 'aglow' is a native English formation, combining the Old English intensive or state-indicating prefix 'a-' with the verb 'glow'. The root 'glow' descends from the Proto-Germanic glōaną, meaning 'to glow, to shine', which is itself likely derived from the Proto-Indo-European root gʰel-, meaning 'to shine, to glitter'. This connection is evident in other light-related words like 'gold' and 'yellow'. Over time, the compound 'aglow' evolved from a literal description of something being in a state of shining with warmth and light to also encompass metaphorical states of radiance, such as being flushed with emotion or excitement.
Analysis
Structure: a (prefix) + glow
- a: A prefix of Old English origin, often indicating a state or condition (as in 'asleep', 'awake').
- glow: A root of Old English origin (glōwan), meaning to shine with a steady, warm light.
Examples
The sky was aglow with the colors of the sunset.
Her face was aglow with happiness when she heard the news.
The room was aglow with candlelight.