Finding the Opposite Meaning of GLEAM

The question asks us to choose the word that expresses nearly the opposite meaning of the given word "GLEAM". To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of "GLEAM" and the meanings of the given options.

The word GLEAM means a soft or gentle light; a faint or brief flash of light; or to shine brightly, especially with reflected light.

Let's look at the options provided:

• Flicker: To shine with a light that is not steady; to gleam or flash intermittently. This is related to light and shining, not the opposite of gleam.
• Twinkle: To shine with a series of short or sudden flashes of light. This is also related to light and shining, similar to flickering or sparkling, and is not the opposite of gleam.
• Glance: To take a brief or hurried look. This word refers to looking and is unrelated to light or shining.
• Dullness: The state or quality of being dull; lacking brightness, vividness, or excitement. If something is dull, it lacks shine or brightness. This is the opposite of being bright or gleaming.

Comparing the meaning of GLEAM (shining, brightness) with the options, we see that Dullness (lack of brightness, lack of shine) is the word that expresses nearly the opposite meaning.

Therefore, the word that expresses nearly the opposite meaning of GLEAM is Dullness.