Glare
GLAIR
/ɡlɛər/
A strong, harsh, dazzling light that causes visual discomfort or difficulty seeing.
Often encountered off wet roads, water, or computer screens; anti-reflective coatings help mitigate glare.
The story behind the word. Derived from Middle Low German and Middle Dutch 'glaren' (to shine, gleam). It was closely associated with intense, uncomfortably bright light or fierce, wide-eyed staring.
Word relationships
- dazzle: Emphasizes temporary blinding caused by sudden bright light.
- reflection: General bouncing back of light without implying uncomfortable intensity.
- gloom: Partial or total darkness.
- dimness: Faintness of light.
Commonly confused with
- Glow: Glow is soft, steady, and comfortable light, whereas glare is harsh and visually uncomfortable.
Word family
- glaring (adjective): Shining with a harsh light, or strikingly obvious.
- glaringly (adverb): In a highly visible or harsh manner.
Collocations
- blinding glare
- glare reduction
- screen glare
Example sentences
- "Anti-reflective coatings on glasses help reduce glare from oncoming headlights during nighttime driving." Driving conditions
Memory hook
GLARE makes you GLARE furiously at the sun. Harsh dazzling light.
When not to use
Can also mean a fierce, angry stare; ensure optical context is clear.
Fun facts
- Polarized sunglasses work specifically by blocking horizontal light waves that cause blinding glare off flat surfaces.
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