magnificent

[mag-nif-uh-suhnt]

adjective

1. making a splendid appearance or show; of exceptional beauty, size, etc..

   a magnificent cathedral; magnificent scenery.

   Synonyms: sublime, exquisite, opulent, sumptuous, majestic
   Antonyms: poor, modest

2. extraordinarily fine; superb.

   a magnificent opportunity; magnificent weather.

3. noble; sublime.

   a magnificent poem.

4. (usually initial capital letter),  (formerly used as a title of some rulers) great; grand.

   Lorenzo the Magnificent.

5. lavishly munificent; extravagant.

   a magnificent inheritance.

magnificent

/ mæɡˈnɪfɪsənt /

adjective

1. splendid or impressive in appearance

2. superb or very fine

3. (esp of ideas) noble or elevated

4. archaic,  great or exalted in rank or action

Other Word Forms

• magnificently adverb
• magnificentness noun
• supermagnificent adjective
• supermagnificently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnificent¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin magnificent-, stem of magnificentior “grander,” comparative of magnificus magnific

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnificent¹

C16: from Latin magnificentio more splendid; irregular comparative of magnificus great in deeds; see _magnific

Synonym Study

Magnificent, gorgeous, splendid, superb are terms of high admiration and all are used informally in weak exaggeration. Something that is magnificent is beautiful, princely, grand, or ostentatious: a magnificent display of paintings; a magnificent view of the harbor. That which is gorgeous moves one to admiration by the richness and (often colorful) variety of its effects: a gorgeous array of handsome gifts. That which is splendid is dazzling or impressive in its brilliance, radiance, or excellence: splendid jewels; a splendid body of scholars. That which is superb is above others in, or is of the highest degree of, excellence, elegance, or (less often, today) grandeur: a superb concert; superb wines.

Example Sentences

Known most of all for his imposing and magnificent dome on the Florence Cathedral, much of the information surrounding his accomplishments has been speculative and contested.

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However, "given this magnificent iconography, it seems entirely appropriate to include it," she said.

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However, "given this magnificent iconography, it seems entirely appropriate to include it" in this movement.

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His prowess and his reputation were magnificent — a magnificent guy — just part of the warp and weft of all good music that came through there.

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"This is magnificent," chimed in another, prompting someone else to respond: "It's worse every time you look."

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Related Words

• brilliant 
• elegant 
• excellent 
• glittering www.thesaurus.com
• gorgeous 
• grand 
• grandiose 
• imposing 
• impressive 
• lavish 
• lofty 
• noble 
• opulent 
• outstanding 
• palatial 
• splendid 
• stately 
• striking 
• sublime 
• sumptuous