splendor

especially British, splen·dour

[splen-der]

noun

1. brilliant or gorgeous appearance, coloring, etc.; magnificence.

   the splendor of the palace.

   Synonyms: dash, show
   Antonyms: squalor

2. an instance or display of imposing pomp or grandeur.

   the splendor of the coronation.

3. grandeur; glory; brilliant distinction.

   the splendor of ancient Greek architecture.

   Synonyms: celebrity, renown, eminence, fame

4. great brightness; brilliant light or luster.

   Synonyms: refulgence, dazzle

verb (used with object)

1. to make splendid by decorating lavishly; adorn.

verb (used without object)

1. to move or proceed with splendor, grandeur, or pomp.

Other Word Forms

• splendorous adjective
• splendrous adjective
• outsplendor verb (used with object)
• unsplendorous adjective
• unsplendorously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of splendor¹

1400–50; < Latin splendor, equivalent to splend ( ēre ) to shine + -or -or ¹; replacing late Middle English splendure < Anglo-French < Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Eighty-six years ago, when a kiddie fare cost 15 cents, my then-6-year-old grandmother watched the theater blink from sepia to vivid color splendor.

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Unfortunately, the technology was in no way capable of capturing the mystical splendor of Wilson’s light and imagery.

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This brings me to a more general observation: I believe we’re experiencing an era of absolute splendor, and the Latin Grammys nominations are bound to reflect that.

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In Tang Dynasty China he sits isolated in regal splendor, like an emperor carved in timeless white stone atop an elegantly draped cushion.

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What some critics thought were bursts of bluster, however enthralling, became outright splendor.

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Related Words

• brilliance 
• grandeur 
• luster 
• magnificence 
• majesty 
• pomp 
• richness www.thesaurus.com