effulgent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "effulgent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is radiant, shining brightly, or emanating joy and brilliance. Example: "The effulgent sun rose over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

One illustration of a diseased kidney calls to mind the fig Rupert Birkin bites into in DH Lawrence's Women in Love, and which causes him to rhapsodise the female genitals; another carbuncle, prised out from a diseased heart, resembles a huge red effulgent pearl.

The Guardian - Arts

When colleagues meet Dr Busner they launch into such placatory chants as: "I admire your beautifully effulgent ischial scrag, your rump is like the morning star and your maverick philosophy is a beacon of intrigue in a dull world.

The Economist

Though some found the book "tedious and effulgent", such as Jay McInerney, writing in the New York Times, many embraced it as a weirdly compassionate new "Catcher in the Rye" for the newly lonesome and misunderstood.

The Economist

Viewed at a distance, "Whitey" is an aurora of effulgent white gold.

The New Yorker

Octopuses cartwheel by, leaving an effulgent red trail.

The New Yorker

Now a museum, it is effulgent with bold color — unforgettably, the potent indigo of the exterior — and filled with her domestic objects, studio gear, and immense collection of folk art.

The New Yorker

Renoir's winsome subjects and effulgent hues jump in your lap like a friendly puppy.

The New Yorker

They are kitschy enough, as confections of a trumped-up sensibility that Hitler had wishfully termed "Greco-Nordic," but well done, in simmering harmonies of light-blue sky and delicately shadowed, effulgent flesh.

The New Yorker

What other artist, except Matisse, makes effulgent hues seem at one with cool intelligence?

The New Yorker

I think of a young woman's effulgent, all-over blondness or of Bowery's convex Hoover Dam of a back.

The New Yorker

In the effulgent atmosphere, you may know where the walls are only by where the pictures hang.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "effulgent" to add a touch of sophistication and vividness to your writing when describing light or brilliance, particularly in literary or descriptive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "effulgent" in everyday situations where simpler words like "bright" or "shining" would suffice; its elevated tone can sound unnatural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "effulgent" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their quality of emitting light or radiance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where "effulgent" precedes nouns such as "light", "color", and "sunshine".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Arts

30%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "effulgent" is an adjective used to describe something brightly radiant or shining. Ludwig AI data shows that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, media, and artistic contexts, lending a touch of formality and vividness to writing. While highly effective in descriptive prose, it's best to avoid overuse in simple, everyday situations where simpler alternatives like "bright" or "shining" would suffice. Related terms include "radiant", "luminous" and "shining", each offering a slightly different nuance. Employ "effulgent" strategically to enhance your descriptions with a sense of brilliance and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

radiant

Shares a very similar meaning, emphasizing the emission of light or joy.

shining

A more general term for emitting light, less formal than "effulgent".

resplendent

Emphasizes impressive brilliance and beauty.

luminous

Highlights the quality of emitting light, often in a soft or diffused way.

brilliant

Focuses on the intensity and clarity of light or intelligence.

gleaming

Suggests a bright, reflective surface.

beaming

Implies a bright and joyful expression or light.

glowing

Describes a warm, soft light.

dazzling

Indicates a light so bright it can overwhelm the senses.

vibrant

Emphasizes richness and intensity of color or energy.

FAQs

How can I use "effulgent" in a sentence?

"Effulgent" is typically used to describe something that is brightly radiant or shining. For example, "The "effulgent sun" rose over the horizon."

What words can I use instead of "effulgent"?

Alternatives to "effulgent" include "radiant", "shining", and "luminous", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "effulgent" in formal writing?

Yes, "effulgent" is suitable for formal writing, especially when aiming to create a vivid and descriptive image. However, consider your audience, as it may be perceived as overly elaborate in some contexts.

What is the difference between "effulgent" and "glowing"?

"Effulgent" implies a brilliant and radiant light, while "glowing" suggests a softer, warmer light. "Effulgent" is often used for more intense or impressive displays of light.