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 video, which showcases the creator's Cavalier King Charles spaniel taking pride of place at a lavish dinner spread, resplendent in a glittery crown, has been viewed more than 6.5 million times. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

The trumpet of longtime James member Andy Diagram was resplendent as the group surrounded guitarist Adrian Oxaal. —Jim Ryan, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

What this means in gory practice is that, after just one injection, Moore’s spine splits open—a goopy, grisly sequence that is wildly fun, if nauseating, to behold—and a shiny, taut new body (Margaret Qualley, looking resplendent) slithers out. —The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024

The law firm Hodgson Russ eventually took it over and commissioned a further round of restoration from Gensler and the local firm Flynn Battaglia, leaving it incongruously resplendent. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 26 Sep. 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