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

Galatasaray's fans gathered in their thousands in the bars and cafes close to this magnificent arena, built on a hill so it overlooks Istanbul, hours before kick-off.

From BBC

Welcome to the Mayhem Ball, a magnificent and operatic tour de force; that pitches the star's inner angels and demons in a fight for her very soul.

From BBC

Steve Pierson said his brother’s plan was to begin, or end, his epic trip at Temple Crag, a familiar landmark to seasoned Sierra climbers and hikers that towers above the magnificent, glacier-fed Big Pine Lakes.

From Los Angeles Times

He calls the house "magnificent" and is audibly in awe of the grounds.

From BBC

However, by the first decades of the 20th Century, Soane's magnificent work was no longer proving fit for purpose.

From BBC

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