glaring

IPA/ˈɡleərɪŋ/
KK[ɡlˈɛrɪŋ]IPA/ˈɡlerɪŋ/

glaring — adjective

  • glaringpositive
  • more glaringcomparative
  • most glaringsuperlative

1. used to describe a mistake, fault, or problem that is so clear and obvious that

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe a mistake, fault, or problem that is so clear and obvious that nobody can ignore it or deny it — for example, a report with a glaring error that should have been caught, or a policy with a glaring gap that leaves people unprotected.

例句

The report contained a glaring error that the editor should have caught before printing.

collocation: glaring error / glaring mistake

There was a glaring gap in the building's fire-safety plan.

collocation: glaring gap / glaring omission

同義詞
  • blatant

    stronger, often implies shamelessness (glaring suggests clear visibility; blatant adds the idea that the person responsible should be ashamed)

  • flagrant

    more formal and serious, typically used for violations of laws or rules

  • obvious

    more general and neutral; can be used for positive things too

  • conspicuous

    simply means easy to notice, without the negative or careless connotation

反義詞
  • subtle

    not immediately obvious or noticeable

  • minor

    small and unimportant, unlike a glaring fault

用法筆記

Almost always appears before a noun that names something negative — error, mistake, omission, contradiction, gap, weakness, problem. It is not used for positive things that are simply obvious (e.g. NOT 'a glaring success').

常見錯誤

The answer was glaring to everyone.
The answer was obvious to everyone.' OR 'There was a glaring mistake in the answer.
💡'glaring' describes the flaw itself, not how people perceive it.
The film had a glaring problem — the actors were wonderful.
The film had a glaring problem
💡the sound was out of sync.' — 'glaring' is for negative faults, not good things.

2. describing a light that is so bright and strong that it hurts your eyes or makes

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describing a light that is so bright and strong that it hurts your eyes or makes you feel uncomfortable — for example, the sun on a hot summer day, or the headlights of a car coming towards you at night.

例句

Theo had to shield his eyes from the glaring headlights of the oncoming truck.

collocation: glaring headlights / glaring sun

The glaring desert sun made it impossible to walk without sunglasses.

同義詞
  • blinding

    stronger — suggests the light actually prevents you from seeing

  • dazzling

    can be positive or negative, often used for beautiful bright lights

  • harsh

    focuses on the unpleasant quality rather than the brightness

反義詞
  • dim

    not bright

  • soft

    pleasant and gentle, not harsh

用法筆記

Typically describes natural light (sun, sunlight) or bright artificial light (headlights, floodlights, fluorescent lamps). Not used for dim or soft light sources such as candles or fairy lights.

常見錯誤

The room was lit by a glaring candle.
The room was lit by glaring fluorescent lights.
💡a candle is too dim and soft to be called glaring.

3. describing a look, stare, or expression that shows anger, unfriendliness, or fie

3.形容詞B2
釋義

describing a look, stare, or expression that shows anger, unfriendliness, or fierce disapproval — for example, a teacher staring at students who refuse to quiet down, or someone staring in anger after an argument.

例句

The teacher fixed a glaring stare on the two students who were whispering.

collocation: glaring stare / glaring look

Leo said nothing, but his glaring eyes made his anger clear to everyone.

同義詞
  • fierce

    broader — can describe anything intense or aggressive, not just a look

  • hostile

    focuses on the unfriendly attitude rather than the visual intensity

  • angry

    more general; 'glaring' adds the idea of a fixed, steady stare

反義詞
  • gentle

    kind and soft, the opposite of fierce or hostile

  • warm

    friendly and welcoming

用法筆記

Describes a person's facial expression or gaze, not a person themselves (you can say 'a glaring stare' but not 'a glaring man'). Frequently paired with 'stare', 'look', 'eyes', or 'expression'. Common in written descriptions of confrontational or tense situations.

常見錯誤

He gave her a glaring smile.
He gave her a glaring look / a glaring stare.
💡'glaring' with a facial expression is always hostile; it does not combine with 'smile' or other pleasant expressions.