effulgent
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- effulgence noun
- effulgently adverb
- uneffulgent adjective
- uneffulgently adverb
Etymology
Origin of effulgent
First recorded in 1730–40; from Latin effulgent- (stem of effulgēns, present participle of effulgēre ), equivalent to ef- ef- + fulg(ēre) “to shine” + -ent- -ent
Explanation
Something effulgent radiates light. On a clear day the sun can be quite effulgent. You might need a pair of shades. Effulgent comes from the Latin ex meaning "out" and fulgere meaning "to shine". A light that is effulgent, shines out or radiates. A personality that is effulgent radiates warmth and goodness. When you're in love, you have an effulgent or radiant look, as though sunlight were shining from your eyes.
Vocabulary lists containing effulgent
All Aglow: Light Lingo
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "E"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Beowulf
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
A black bird is flying through a glimmering heaven that Moufarrege graced with effulgent clouds, using silk, cotton and wool threads to dazzling effect.
From New York Times • Feb. 6, 2020
When hijacked by the Master’s control rooms, they burn an effulgent pink, so overbearingly bright that they become mesmerizing.
From The Verge • Dec. 2, 2019
Amid their taut geometries are passages of enfolding softness and effulgent color harmonies — rich reds, pale yellows and blues against his favorite milky lime green.
From Washington Post • Nov. 27, 2019
One look at Binta’s effulgent smile proves that.
From Scientific American • Oct. 11, 2017
The future looked wonderful, and General Peckem contemplated his bright new colonel enchantedly with an effulgent smile.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
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.
