Resplendent

Shining brilliantly; richly colorful or magnificent in appearance

adjective

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Imagine This

A maid is cleaning silverware and has done a really good job. Her master is saying again and again, “Splendid! Splendid! Good job! The silverware is shining brilliantly!”

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Sounds Like

rih-SPLEN-dənt

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Looks Like

Resembles 'splendid' with the prefix re- (re- + splendid).

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Remember This

Originates from Latin resplendere meaning 'to shine again,' formed from re- (again) + splendēre (to shine). It entered English via Old French resplendant.

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Other Forms

resplendentlyadverb

resplendencenoun

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Connect With

radiant, brilliant, dazzling, glorious, magnificent

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Note

Resplendent describes something vividly impressive or radiant, not just ‘shiny.’ It emphasizes splendor and beauty as a whole, not merely brightness. Do not confuse with synonyms like 'brilliant' in contexts that stress intelligence; use 'resplendent' specifically for visual magnificence.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The ballroom was resplendent with crystal chandeliers and gold-trimmed walls.
Her gown was resplendent in emerald and gold.

Synonyms

radiantbrilliantdazzlinggloriousmagnificent

Antonyms

dulldrabgloomy

Etymology

From Latin resplendere 'to shine again' (re- meaning 'again' + splendēre 'to shine'), via Old French resplendant before entering English as 'resplendent'.

Mnemonic

RE + SPLENDENT: Remember that 're' means again, and splendent means shining; something resplendent shines again and again.