beam
noun, verb
UK/biːm/US/biːm/
As a noun, it can refer to a long, sturdy piece of wood or metal used to support weight (in construction), a ray or shaft of light, or a radiant smile. As a verb, it means to smile broadly, to send out rays of light, or to transmit information electronically.
Example Sentences
A single beam of sunlight broke through the clouds.
She walked into the room with a beam on her face, radiating pure joy.
They installed a heavy wooden beam across the ceiling to provide the necessary structural support for the renovated loft.
The lighthouse projected a powerful beam of light far out to sea, guiding ships safely around the rocky coastline.
He couldn’t help but beam when he saw his team cheering for him after the decisive victory.
Scientists used a laser beam to measure microscopic distances with extreme precision.
During the conference, the keynote speaker’s confident smile seemed to beam across the auditorium, instantly captivating the audience and setting a positive tone for the entire event.
Thanks to advanced satellite technology, broadcasters can now beam high-definition signals around the globe, allowing viewers from different continents to enjoy the same program simultaneously.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A ray of light, a structural support, or a wide grin conveying joy.“Beam” functions in various ways depending on context. As a noun, it often means a ray of light—such as “a beam of sunlight” shining through a window—or a long, sturdy piece of wood or metal used to support weight in construction projects. It can also describe a line transmitted electronically, like a “radio beam” or “laser beam.” As a verb, “to beam” can signify emitting a stream of light (“The lighthouse beams out to guide ships”) or smiling radiantly (“He beamed with pride at the ceremony”). In technology, “beam” might mean to transmit data wirelessly—“They beamed the information via satellite.” When using “beam,” consider whether you’re talking about light, structural elements, or expressions of joy. In everyday speech, “to beam” typically implies a bright, shining presence—either literal (light) or figurative (happy smile). In building or architecture, “beam” connotes strength and support. If you’re dealing with broadcasting or lasers, “beam” highlights a directed stream of energy. Context clues—mention of sunlight, architecture, or a person’s expression—help clarify its function. Adding adjectives like “wooden,” “steel,” “bright,” or “radio” can further specify the type of beam at play. Across its various applications, “beam” conveys either something shining or something steadfastly supporting and directing energy, light, or emotion.
Alternatives
Depending on the meaning you wish to convey, alternatives for “beam” vary. For the ray-of-light sense, you might say “ray,” “shaft,” or “stream” (e.g., “a shaft of sunlight”). If you’re referencing a construction support, “joist,” “girder,” or “support bar” can be suitable synonyms, though each can carry a more technical connotation. For an expression of happiness or pride, “glow,” “grin,” or “radiate” could capture a similar idea—“She glowed with delight,” or “He radiated confidence.” In broadcasting or transmitting contexts, you can say “send,” “transmit,” or “broadcast,” particularly if you want to avoid the visual emphasis of “beam.” Each replacement modifies the focus—highlighting light, structure, emotion, or communication—so choose words that align precisely with your intent. For instance, “streaming data” connotes continuous flow, while “beaming data” might suggest a targeted, perhaps more powerful, transmission. Similarly, describing a “radiant smile” leans toward poetic, whereas saying “He beamed from ear to ear” feels more colloquial and visual.
Writing
When incorporating “beam” in writing, clarify which sense you mean. For a literal ray of light, describe the atmosphere and how that light transforms a scene (“A narrow beam of moonlight illuminated the dusty floorboards, revealing faded footprints”). If you’re talking about a building’s beam, include structural or architectural details (“A thick wooden beam ran across the vaulted ceiling, supporting centuries of history”). If your focus is on someone’s expression, emphasize the emotion: “She beamed at her success, her smile lighting up the entire room.” In technical or futuristic writing, explore the concept of energy beams—such as laser beams or transmissions (“They beamed signals across the satellite network”). Adding context about how the beam interacts with surroundings or people—reflecting, supporting, or transferring data—helps readers picture it clearly. To keep prose engaging, vary your descriptions by using sensory words or situational details. For example, “The children beamed with excitement as they entered the carnival” conjures an image of joyous faces. If describing a battle scene featuring laser beams, highlight color, intensity, or the whirring sound of energy. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or instruction, consider the function of “beam”—is it providing light, holding up a structure, communicating information, or showing emotional warmth? Tailoring language around that central function keeps your usage sharp and purposeful.
Casual Conversation
In everyday talk, “beam” usually pops up when someone is shining, radiating joy, or describing a strong shaft of light. You might say, “I saw a beam of sunlight come through the blinds this morning—felt so refreshing,” or “He was beaming after hearing he got the job.” If you’re helping a friend renovate a basement, you could mention, “We’ll need a sturdy beam to support the ceiling.” People might also use it in a technology sense: “They beamed the photos to my phone via AirDrop.” For jokes or lighthearted exaggeration, one could say, “She beamed so brightly, I practically needed sunglasses.” This casual usage typically leans on the visual and emotional connotations—light or happiness. Even in quick texts or social media posts, saying, “Beaming with pride right now!” is a concise, vibrant way to share excitement. If you’re describing architectural or engineering stuff to a non-expert, though, some might prefer plainer language, like “We need a support beam” instead of “We need a structural beam.” Nonetheless, “beam” remains handy for capturing simple but impactful images—sunbeams, broad smiles, or signals traveling across space.
Etymology
The word “beam” has Old English roots (“bēam”), where it originally meant a living tree or a strong piece of wood. Over centuries, as wood was used to support buildings, “beam” evolved to reference thick, supportive timbers. Its connotation later expanded to include any long, slender rod or bar. The “ray of light” sense of “beam” also emerged in Old English, likely drawing on the idea of something elongated. Meanwhile, the figurative usage—someone’s face lighting up in a wide smile—ties back to the sense of shining or radiating. Over time, “beam” branched into technological domains, describing the directed energy or signal transmissions like radio beams. Thus, “beam” conveys anything elongated, supportive, or radiating, reflecting its layered history spanning architecture, light, emotion, and beyond.
