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 a deep blue shirt, he was promoting his first book, a mix of short stories and personal essays called “The Last Dream.”
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2024
Resplendent in red and atop her storied five-inch heels, the daughter of immigrants announced she was suspending her campaign.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2024
Resplendent with sun, breeze and youthful desire, Guillaume Brac’s comedy follows a group of 20-somethings on an exuberant adventure in the French mountains.
From New York Times • Aug. 27, 2021
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 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.
