Afterglow: meaning, definitions and examples

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afterglow

 

[ ˈæftərˌgloʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

light, feeling

Afterglow refers to the luminescent light that remains in the sky shortly after sunset or just before dawn. It can also denote a sense of warmth or contentment experienced following a significant event, particularly after a pleasurable experience.

Synonyms

glow, luminescence, radiance, reminiscence

Examples of usage

  • The afterglow of the sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink.
  • She felt a warm afterglow after the successful presentation.
  • The afterglow of their recent vacation lingered in her thoughts.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional state

In a more abstract sense, afterglow can describe the lingering feeling of joy or satisfaction one experiences after a joyful event or achievement, often involving nostalgia or happiness for what just occurred.

Synonyms

contentment, euphoria, satisfaction

Examples of usage

  • The afterglow of their wedding day made them feel incredibly happy.
  • Even weeks later, the afterglow of the concert still brought a smile to her face.
  • He enjoyed the afterglow of finishing his novel.

Translations

Translations of the word "afterglow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brilho do céu após o pôr do sol

🇮🇳 सूर्यास्त के बाद की रोशनी

🇩🇪 Nachglühen

🇮🇩 cahaya setelah matahari terbenam

🇺🇦 світіння після заходу сонця

🇵🇱 blask po zachodzie słońca

🇯🇵 日没後の光

🇫🇷 lueur après le coucher de soleil

🇪🇸 resplandor después del atardecer

🇹🇷 gün batımından sonraki ışık

🇰🇷 석양 후의 빛

🇸🇦 توهج بعد غروب الشمس

🇨🇿 září po západu slunce

🇸🇰 žiar po západe slnka

🇨🇳 日落后的余晖

🇸🇮 žar po sončnem zahodu

🇮🇸 glóð eftir sólsetur

🇰🇿 күн батқаннан кейінгі жарық

🇬🇪 მზე ჩასვლის შემდეგი შუქი

🇦🇿 gün batdıqdan sonra işıq

🇲🇽 resplandor después del atardecer

Etymology

The word 'afterglow' is a compound noun formed by combining 'after,' which has roots in Old English 'æfter,' meaning 'after, following,' and 'glow,' derived from the Old English 'glōwan,' meaning 'to shine, to blaze.' The term originally described the light remaining in the sky after the sun had set, particularly during twilight. It has been in use since the mid-19th century, gradually extending its meaning to encompass emotional states associated with satisfaction or happiness following significant experiences. Over time, 'afterglow' has found its way into various fields including poetry and psychology, symbolizing both natural and emotional radiance.