resplendent

adjective

re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt 

: shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor

meadows resplendent with wildflowers

—Outdoor World

resplendently adverb

Did you know?

Resplendent has a lot in common with splendid (meaning, among other things, "shining" or "brilliant"), splendent ("shining" or "glossy"), and splendor ("brightness" or "luster"). Each of these glowing terms gets its shine from the Latin verb splendēre ("to shine"). In the case of resplendent, the prefix re- added to splendēre, formed the Latin resplendēre, meaning "to shine back." Splendent, splendor, and resplendent were first used in English during the 15th century, but splendid didn't light up our language until over 175 years later; its earliest known use dates from the early 1600s.

Choose the Right Synonym for resplendent

splendid, resplendent, gorgeous, glorious, sublime, superb mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive.

splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

Examples of resplendent in a Sentence

The fields were resplendent with flowers.

She looked resplendent in her green evening gown.

a bird with resplendent yellow feathers

Recent Examples on the Web

The fine wine and fine dining event is being double-teamed by resplendent resort The Boca Raton and oenophile omniscient Napa Valley Vintners of California. Related Articles South Florida Bacon & Brunch Fest brings the sizzle to Boca Raton … with $5-or-less menus! —Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025

All that illuminated us were dozens of votive candles at the base of her feet, most bearing Guadalupe’s resplendent image. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024

And this was the only audible sound (besides the snow squeaking under my feet) — a greeting to the day’s early light and its resplendent clarity. —Andriy Sodomora (tr. Sabrina Jaszi & Roman Ivashkiv), The Dial, 12 Dec. 2024

Last summer our Airbnb in Spain delivered resplendent views — and, several times an hour, the booming sound of an air cannon firing over a nearby orchard to scare away the birds. —Megan Tady, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin resplendent-, resplendens, present participle of resplendēre to shine back, from re- + splendēre to shine — more at splendid

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

resplendent

adjective

re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt 

: so bright as to seem to glow

fields resplendent with flowers

resplendent in a new red coat

resplendently adverb