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

Accor Live Limitless From $1,060 Book now The resplendent Raffles Hotel reopened in late 2019 to great fanfare after two years of restoration. —Mary Holland, AFAR Media, 19 Dec. 2024

Having dirtied himself in the catacombs beneath the papacy’s home, our scrappy archaeologist emerges into none other than a resplendent re-creation of the Sistine Chapel. —Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024

Based on the spirit and history of the Islands, the resplendent, yet respectful, story is told through eight amazing acts that serve as milestones of the protagonist’s quest for self-discovery, understanding and inner peace. —David Dickstein, Orange County Register, 18 Dec. 2024

Strings and cello were resplendent on the cut as Russell repeatedly turned to rile up the audience throughout. —Jim Ryan, Forbes, 30 Nov. 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