resplendent

adjective

re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt How to pronounce resplendent (audio)
: shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor
meadows resplendent with wildflowersOutdoor 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Strings and cello were resplendent on the cut as Russell repeatedly turned to rile up the audience throughout. Jim Ryan, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 Like her mother, Lila Moss was resplendent in a black beaded confection that had an air of flapper—family friend Kim Jones decreed this a trend before bowing out at Fendi—but still looked timeless for party season in 2024. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2024 One guest, a Phillips Collection board member named Jane Lole who was resplendent in pink Alexander McQueen, urged me to get familiar with the work of photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. Helen Holmes, ARTnews.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden may look serene at first glance, but beneath the resplendent orchids and majestic banyans, two invasive lizards are waging a turf war. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resplendent 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of resplendent was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near resplendent

Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resplendent. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

resplendent

adjective
re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt How to pronounce resplendent (audio)
: so bright as to seem to glow
fields resplendent with flowers
resplendent in a new red coat
resplendently adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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