riant

[ rahy-uhnt, ree-; French ryahn ]

/ ˈraɪ ənt, ˈri-; French ryɑ̃ /

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adjective

laughing; smiling; cheerful: She exuded good humor, with her riant brown eyes, curly, flyaway hair, and madcap grin.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of riant

First recorded in 1560–70; from French, “smiling, laughing,” adjective use of present participle of rire “to laugh,” from Latin rīdēre; see rident, -ant

OTHER WORDS FROM riant

ri·ant·ly, adverb

Words nearby riant

ria, RIAA curve, rial, rial omani, rialto, riant, riata, Riau Archipelago, rib, R.I.B.A., ribald

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use riant in a sentence

Un Vieillard.Jeune fille au riant visage,Que cherches-tu sous cet ombrage?
A Selection from the Works of Frederick Locker|Frederick Locker
Her bare arms and neck were as soft and firm as a baby's; her riant, un-English face seemed all aglow of color and mellow eyes.
Theo|Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett
She talked of her griefs in a plucky, riant way, making eternal fun of herself as a giddy fool.
The Cup of Fury|Rupert Hughes
Her hair was the real classic gold, and her grey eyes were riant with health and content.
Hoosier Mosaics|Maurice Thompson

Ces dames le regardant lui dirent en riant, 'Vous plaisantez, Monsieur; ce n'est pas vous qui etes Napoleon.'
Travels in France during the years 1814-1815|Archibald Alison

British Dictionary definitions for riant

riant

/ (ˈraɪənt) /

adjective

rare laughing; smiling; cheerful

Derived forms of riant

riantly, adverb

Word Origin for riant

C16: from French, from rire to laugh, from Latin rīdēre

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012