gleam
UK: ɡliːm | US: ɡliːm
n. a faint or brief light, especially one that flashes or reflects
vi. to shine softly or intermittently; to emit a gentle glow
The word "gleam" traces back to Old English glǣm, meaning "brightness" or "splendor," derived from Proto-Germanic glaimiz. It shares roots with Old Norse glámr (a ghostly light) and is linked to the Proto-Indo-European ghel- (to shine), a root also seen in "glow," "gold," and "yellow." Over time, "gleam" narrowed to describe a soft or fleeting light, often associated with reflection or transient beauty.
A faint gleam of moonlight filtered through the curtains.
Her eyes gleamed with excitement when she heard the news.
The polished silverware gleamed under the chandelier.
He spotted a gleam of hope in the otherwise grim situation.
The lighthouse’s gleam guided ships safely to shore.