refulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a radiant or shining quality, often in a metaphorical sense, such as light or brilliance. Example: "The refulgence of the sunset painted the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

There is something inherently comic about staging a movie festival in such a place; on what possible ground should you wish to see motion pictures when, not far away, there are pictures of the motionless variety, and of a refulgence that has not dimmed for more than five hundred years?

The New Yorker

But his life, unlike most lives, had the shape and the refulgence of a movie, and we can watch it again and again.

The New Yorker

The sound the Philadelphia players mustered from the heroic opening bars of Brahms's Third Symphony was the orchestra's own, showing the richness and refulgence that are this institution's legacy.

The New York Times - Arts

That Mr. Danielpour's stylistic borrowings were identifiable — Shostakovich's angst; the unease of early Schoenberg; the cinematic thrust of Philip Glass; melodies with the refulgence of Italian arias — did not detract from their emotional efficacy.

The New York Times - Arts

It hums with a dark refulgence from its first pages.

The New York Times - Books

Sunshine lights up the foyers with a refulgence that is almost nuclear.

The Guardian - Arts

We came away with shoes that shone with divine refulgence.

The New Yorker

"There's an ineffable quality, a refulgence, to collodion that the ordinary silver negative cannot capture," Ms. Mann says.

The New York Times - Arts

The work's elegance and beauty are those of a gem-encrusted scalpel, meant to flay all trace of Romantic refulgence.

The New York Times - Arts

The more a man had to lose by having a secret life, the more he acquired the trappings of respectability: "His armor has a particularly shiny quality, a refulgence, which tends to blind the audience to certain of his practices.

The New York Times

A strange statement, coming from a figure so full of musical refulgence.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the intensity of the light, you can pair "refulgence" with words like "divine", "ethereal", or "unearthly".

Common error

Avoid using "refulgence" in everyday descriptions where simpler words like "brightness" or "shine" would suffice. The term's elevated tone can sound out of place in casual or mundane contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "refulgence" is as a noun, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a quality of intense brightness or radiance. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in literary and descriptive contexts, highlighting its capacity to evoke vivid imagery.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Arts

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refulgence" is a noun that describes a quality of intense brightness or radiance, often used in formal and literary contexts. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and effectively conveys a sense of awe and admiration. While "refulgence" is appropriate for adding depth and richness to writing, it should be avoided in casual or mundane contexts where simpler words would suffice. Consider alternatives like "radiance" or "brilliance" to fine-tune your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

radiance

A more common and direct synonym for "refulgence", referring to the quality of emitting light or exhibiting brightness.

effulgence

Similar to "refulgence", but often suggests a more intense and brilliant light.

brilliance

Emphasizes the sharpness and clarity of the light or shining quality.

luster

Suggests a soft, reflected light, often associated with polished surfaces.

splendor

Implies a magnificent and impressive brightness, often used in a figurative sense.

illumination

Focuses on the act of providing light, rather than the quality of the light itself.

glow

Indicates a soft, steady light, often emanating from a warm source.

sheen

A subtle, lustrous shine on a surface.

iridescence

Displays a play of lustrous colors like those of the rainbow.

luminosity

Refers to the intrinsic brightness or light-emitting capacity of an object.

FAQs

How can I use "refulgence" in a sentence?

You can use "refulgence" to describe a radiant or brilliant light, such as "The sunrise filled the sky with its golden "refulgence"." It can also be used metaphorically to describe inner qualities or artistic expressions.

What words are similar to "refulgence"?

Synonyms for "refulgence" include "radiance", "effulgence", "brilliance", and "shine". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "refulgence" a formal word?

Yes, "refulgence" is considered a formal word. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but is more appropriate for formal writing, literary contexts, or when aiming for an elevated tone.

What is the difference between "refulgence" and "radiance"?

"Refulgence" and "radiance" are very similar, both referring to the quality of emitting light. However, "refulgence" often implies a more intense, brilliant, and sometimes awe-inspiring light compared to the more general term "radiance".