rather splendid

USAGE SUMMARY

"rather splendid" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb used to describe something as "somewhat excellent or admirable." For example: The sunset was rather splendid as it cast its hues of pink and orange over the horizon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Perhaps the most intriguing character, though, is Mrs S, a rather splendid cleaning lady.

The Guardian

Normally these convivialities and so forth would flow honey-like from the rather splendid Guardian offices.

The Guardian - Sport

Lake Michigan, with its rather splendid man-made beach, is the chill-out hangout of choice.

The Guardian - Travel

Also making rather splendid use of the web is FACT magazine (factmag.com).

The Guardian - Music

Indeed, I rather think there is something rather splendid in its inchoate rebellion.

The Guardian - Music

Andrew Lawrence After a couple of less-than-impressive years, Andrew Lawrence came back with a rather splendid show.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

These two, though, bottled it: "Woody and I took a look at the rather challengingly splendid specimens on the table before us, considered for a moment the slightly more modest scale of our own endowments, and said, 'Hmmm.

The Guardian - Books

(And what a glorious, fleeting summer it is. Its brevity renders the sights even more splendid). Rather, everything conspires to slow you down.

The New York Times - Travel

Vulgar merriment aside, the discrepancy between the British (or rather English) fondness for splendid isolation and the real experience of a globally connected maritime, commercial and colonial nation creates a mental block.

Independent

The decision to shoot on 16mm rather than digital pays splendid visual dividends, lending richly colourful texture to the proceedings as they slip effortlessly between grainy realism and fantasy.

The Guardian - Film

Rather than let their splendid houses in paradise sit empty when they aren't using them, some celebrities prefer to rent them out, offering dream vacations to total strangers (or at least those with five-figure vacation budgets).

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather splendid" to subtly express admiration or approval, especially when describing something that exceeds expectations without being overly flashy. It's suitable for adding a touch of understated elegance to your writing.

Common error

While "rather splendid" can add charm, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound affected or unnatural. Balance it with other expressions of approval or admiration to maintain a fresh and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather splendid" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it describes something as somewhat excellent or admirable, lending a tone of understated approval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Books

15%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather splendid" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to express admiration or approval in a somewhat formal and understated manner. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as an intensifier modifying an adjective, serving to add a touch of elegance or sophistication to the description. While mainly found in news and media, it also appears in books and lifestyle content. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding affected, and consider alternatives like "quite magnificent" or "truly remarkable" to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite magnificent

Emphasizes grandeur and impressiveness more strongly than the original phrase.

truly remarkable

Focuses on the exceptional or noteworthy nature of something.

extremely impressive

Similar meaning, but puts emphasis on the impression that has been made.

exceptionally fine

Highlights the superior quality or skill involved.

remarkably good

A more straightforward way of expressing high quality.

utterly delightful

Conveys a sense of pleasure and charm.

very admirable

Similar meaning, but stresses the worthiness of approval.

genuinely impressive

Stresses the authentic and admirable nature of something.

awfully nice

A more informal and understated way of expressing approval.

incredibly pleasing

Highlights the enjoyable and satisfying aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "rather splendid" in a sentence?

"Rather splendid" is used to describe something as quite excellent or impressive. For example, "The performance was "rather splendid", exceeding all expectations."

What are some alternatives to "rather splendid"?

You can use alternatives such as "quite magnificent", "truly remarkable", or "exceptionally fine" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "rather splendid" formal or informal?

"Rather splendid" leans towards the formal side, lending a touch of elegance and sophistication to your writing or speech, although it can be used in informal contexts to inject a bit of humor or irony.

What's the difference between "rather splendid" and "very good"?

"Rather splendid" conveys a higher degree of admiration and refinement than the more common phrase "very good". It suggests something is not just good, but also elegant and delightful.