Definition

1. Noun:
   • A radiant light or halo depicted around the head of a sacred figure, especially a saint, in art to symbolize holiness, divinity, or glory. It is a circle or disk of light.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The painting depicted the saint with a golden gloriole around her head.
  • In many religious icons, a gloriole is used to signify the subject's divine nature.

Advanced Usage

• "To be surrounded by a gloriole": To be depicted with or seem to have an aura of sanctity or exceptional glory.
  • The portrait of the founder seemed to surround him with a gloriole, emphasizing his revered status.

Variants and Related Words

• Halo (n): A more common synonym for a circle of light shown around the head.
• Nimbus (n): A luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint.
• Aureole (n): A radiant light around the head or body, often used interchangeably with gloriole and halo.

Synonyms

• Halo: A circle of light, especially around the head.
• Nimbus: A bright cloud or halo.
• Aureole: A radiance surrounding a figure.
• Corona: A crown or crown-like circle of light.

Related Phrases

• Halo effect: A cognitive bias where one's overall impression of a person influences feelings and thoughts about their character. (Note: This is a metaphorical extension, not a direct phrasal verb of 'gloriole').

Related Idioms

• To have a halo/gloriole around one's head: Used figuratively to suggest someone is perceived as being perfect or saintly.
  • After his charitable act, people talked about him as if he had a gloriole around his head.

Noun

1. an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint