radiant face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "radiant face" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone's expression or appearance when they are happy or feeling joy. For example: "She showed a radiant face when she opened the box to find her brand new guitar inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Only your radiant face met mine with a smile.

The New Yorker

And her radiant face is a marvel, a map of tumultuous yet readable emotions.

The New York Times - Arts

Frank searched her radiant face and knew there was nothing there for him to test.

The Guardian - Books

The only hint of her fame is the discreet bentwood balustrade that keeps you from touching her radiant face.

The Guardian - Arts

A regular viewer of Ms. Lieberman's "Steals and Deals" consumer program on CNBC, the elder Mr. Gerber was struck by her radiant face and down-to-earth charm.

The New York Times - Style

A testament to Danes's knack for self-exposure is her willingness to look ugly — her reedy, boyish frame can become galumphy and graceless, her smooth, radiant face can crumple like a paper bag.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

If you go, however, you will indeed get to see Juliette Binoche at the ironing board; she may possess one of the world's more radiant faces, but here she looks flustered, sweaty, and hollowed-out, and, when she turns down the volume of her television, she hears, from somewhere inside her apartment block, the cry of a child in pain.

The New Yorker

The characters sometimes become a blur of radiant faces, but the sheer facts provide enough of a narrative riptide to keep you glued to the pages and enough detail to serve as a primer on how to go about affecting social change.

Forbes

Peter Bialobrzeski's photographs put a radiant, glamorous face on globalization and the invisible and powerful network that shapes our surroundings -- and virtually runs our lives.

The New York Times - Arts

And we did not note in our story that Ms. Lewinsky has a radiant, beautiful face and a kind of earth goddessy thing, which makes us think of her as a veritable estrogen soufflé.

The New York Times

As the characters sigh with longing and the spectator gasps in disbelief, Mr. Konchalovsky moves his camera in on the radiant, angelic face of the holiest of his holy fools, a svelte young blonde named Zhanna (Julia Vysotsky) who believes herself to be Mr. Adams's fiancée.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using it when describing a character experiencing a positive emotional change or moment of fulfillment.

Common error

Avoid using "radiant face" in situations where the context is negative or somber. The phrase implies a positive emotional state, which would be incongruous and confusing in a negative setting. For example, describing someone as having a "radiant face" after receiving bad news would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "radiant face" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "face". It adds a layer of meaning, indicating not just the physical appearance but also an emotional state or inner quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "radiant face" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe someone's positive and glowing appearance. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English to portray happiness or joy. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, connoting beauty and well-being. When using the phrase, consider alternatives such as "glowing complexion" or "beaming visage" to add variety to your writing and avoid overuse in negative or somber contexts. The phrase effectively communicates a positive emotional state reflected in a person's appearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

luminous face

Highlights the quality of emitting light, suggesting inner beauty or health.

glowing complexion

Focuses more on the skin's appearance and health, less on the emotional expression.

gleaming face

Suggests a polished and attractive appearance, often associated with good health.

beaming visage

Uses a more formal term for face ("visage") and emphasizes the joy or happiness expressed.

bright expression

Emphasizes the clarity and positivity of the facial expression.

shining countenance

A more archaic and literary way to describe a bright and happy face.

healthy glow

Emphasizes physical well-being and vitality, resulting in a positive appearance.

vibrant expression

Focuses on the overall liveliness and energy conveyed by the facial expression.

joyful look

Highlights the emotion of joy reflected in the face.

happy face

A simpler and more direct way to express happiness through facial features.

FAQs

How can I describe a face that looks healthy and happy?

You can use the phrase "radiant face". Other options include "glowing complexion", "beaming visage", or "luminous face", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone is described as having a "radiant face"?

It typically means they appear happy, healthy, and full of life. The phrase suggests an inner light or beauty that shines through their facial expression.

Is "radiant face" a cliché?

While it's a common expression, "radiant face" isn't necessarily a cliché. Its effectiveness depends on the context and how creatively it's used. Consider alternatives like "shining countenance" or "vibrant expression" if you want a fresh approach.

Can I use "radiant face" to describe something other than a person?

While primarily used for people, you could metaphorically describe something as having a "radiant face" if it appears to glow or exude positivity, such as a sunrise or a beautifully lit building.