resplendent
ri-SPLEN-dunt
/rɪˈsplɛn.dənt/
Attractive and impressive through being richly colorful, shining, or glowing.
Resplendent implies a brilliant, dazzling splendor that commands attention, often associated with royalty, light, or magnificent clothing.
The story behind the word. Resplendent comes from the Latin 'resplendere', where 're-' acts as an intensive prefix and 'splendere' means 'to shine'. It is a direct cousin of the word 'splendid', but retains more of the literal connection to light and shining.
Word relationships
- splendid: Splendid means magnificent or excellent, while resplendent specifically emphasizes a shining, glowing, or colorful quality.
- luminous: Luminous means emitting light or glowing in the dark, whereas resplendent implies a rich, colorful, and impressive display.
- dull: Dull means lacking brightness, vividness, or interest.
- lackluster: Lackluster literally means lacking luster or shine; dull and uninspiring.
Commonly confused with
- splendid: Splendid is a broader term for excellent or grand, while resplendent is focused on physical brightness and rich color.
Word family
- resplendence (noun): Brilliant, shining beauty or splendor.
- resplendently (adverb): In a brilliant or shining manner.
Collocations
- resplendent in
- resplendent glory
- resplendent beauty
- resplendent armor
Example sentences
- "The emperor appeared on the balcony, resplendent in his golden robes and jewel-encrusted crown." Describing a royal ceremony
- "The autumn forest was resplendent with vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold." Describing a natural phenomenon
Memory hook
Think of a 'splendid' king who is so shiny he 're-splends' (reflects) the light of the sun. Resplendent is richly shining.
When not to use
Do not use 'resplendent' for subtle, quiet, or minimalist beauty. It requires a striking, shining, or colorful presence.
Fun facts
- The Resplendent Quetzal is a famously beautiful bird from Central America, named for its incredibly vibrant green and red iridescent feathers.
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