resplendent
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of resplendent
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin resplendent- (stem of resplendēns ), present participle of resplendēre “to shine brightly,” equivalent to re- re- + splend(ēre) “shine” ( see splendor) + -ent- -ent
Explanation
Someone or something that is resplendent has great beauty and is a pleasure to behold. "She was there, at the base of the stairs, resplendent in her flowing gown and jewels." When people or things are resplendent, they are dazzling, splendiferous, glorious, or lovely. The adjective resplendent comes from a Latin word that means “to shine brightly.” The gilded entranceway was resplendent in the golden glow of the afternoon light. When he flashed his resplendent smile, she was helpless against his charms.
Vocabulary lists containing resplendent
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Resplendent in red suits and patent leather red shoes, the five-man group’s distinct harmonies were as tight as their choreography.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 4, 2023
Resplendent with intricate tile work and crowned by a heavenly blue dome, the mausoleum inspired the Mughal master craftspeople of the Taj Mahal.
From New York Times • Nov. 17, 2022
Resplendent with tinsel, holly and Christmas crackers, two tables of six are set up for a special festive menu, including smoked salmon and roast turkey.
From BBC • Aug. 25, 2021
Resplendent in the centre of the table sat the largest turkey in the country, roasted to perfection by Prudence and Primrose.
From The Guardian • Mar. 28, 2020
Resplendent geese stand on a headland and peer into a heavy sky.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
