Definition of glimmer

The origin of the word "glimmer" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "glimor," meaning "a way of seeing through mist or fog." The root word "glim-" comes from Proto-Germanic "�äftij-m," which means "appear dimly." As the English language evolved, the spelling of "glimmer" changed, but the meaning remained the same. In Middle English, the word was spelled "glimren," and it referred to the faint light given off by a small flame or reflection. In modern English, "glimmer" still carries the meaning of faint light, such as the reflection of light on water or the glow of a distant fire. It can also refer to a vague or uncertain idea or feeling. The use of "glimmer" in literature can convey a sense of hope or possibilities, as in William Blake's poem "Auguries of Innocence," where he writes, "The voiceless wakens the voiceless, / When they meet within vacant space / They make a chattring / As if their tongues were forming / Invisible shapes." In summary, "glimmer" originated from Old English and means "a way of seeing through mist or fog," with the root word "glim-" meaning "appear dimly." It has since evolved to refer to the faint light given off by a small flame or reflection and can also convey a sense of vague or uncertain ideas or feelings.