glow
UK[ɡləʊ]US[ɡloʊ]
v
to produce a continuous, steady, and gentle light, especially without a flame
v
(of a person's face or body) to look or feel warm or pink, especially after exercise or because of excitement, pleasure, or health
n
a steady, gentle light, especially one that is not very bright
n
a warm, pink colour or appearance on the skin, especially of the face
Etymology
the word "glow" originates from the old english verb "glōwan," meaning to glow or shine. this old english term is traced back to the proto-germanic root "glō-," which carries the sense of glowing or gleaming. it is further connected to the proto-indo-european root "gʰel-," meaning to shine, which also gave rise to words like "gold" and "yellow," sharing the core concept of light and brightness. the semantic journey is direct, evolving from the physical emission of a steady, warm light to metaphorical extensions describing a healthy or pleased appearance.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form derived from a single old english root.
Examples
the embers of the fire continued to glow in the darkness.
her cheeks began to glow with embarrassment.
the city had a soft glow under the night sky.