The difference between Gleam and Illuminate

When used as nouns, gleam means a small or indistinct shaft or stream of light, whereas illuminate means someone thought to have an unusual degree of enlightenment.

When used as verbs, gleam means to shine, whereas illuminate means to shine light on something.

Illuminate is also adjective with the meaning: enlightened.

check bellow for the other definitions of Gleam and Illuminate

  1. Gleam as a noun:

    a small or indistinct shaft or stream of light.

  2. Gleam as a noun:

    a glimpse or hint; an indistinct sign of something.

    Examples:

    "The rescue workers preserved a gleam of optimism that they might still survive."

  3. Gleam as a noun:

    brightness or shininess; splendor.

  1. Gleam as a verb:

    To shine; to glitter; to glisten.

  2. Gleam as a verb:

    To be briefly but strongly apparent.

  3. Gleam as a verb (obsolete, falconry):

    To disgorge filth, as a hawk.

  1. Illuminate as a verb (transitive):

    To shine light on something.

  2. Illuminate as a verb (transitive):

    To decorate something with lights.

  3. Illuminate as a verb (transitive, figurative):

    To clarify or make something understandable.

  4. Illuminate as a verb (transitive):

    To decorate the page of a manuscript book with ornamental designs.

  5. Illuminate as a verb (transitive, figurative):

    To make spectacular.

  6. Illuminate as a verb (intransitive):

    To glow; to light up.

  7. Illuminate as a verb (intransitive):

    To be exposed to light.

  8. Illuminate as a verb (transitive, military):

    To direct a beam toward.

  1. Illuminate as a noun:

    Someone thought to have an unusual degree of enlightenment.

  1. Illuminate as an adjective (obsolete):

    enlightened

    Examples:

    "rfquotek Bishop Hall"

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