resplendent

USAGE SUMMARY

'resplendent' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to indicate something or someone that shines brilliantly or has a showy, splendid display. Example sentence: The bride looked resplendent in her ivory wedding gown.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In person, however, Spall is quite the Dickensian dandy, resplendent in a pinstriped waistcoat, with mutton-chop sideburns and a Brillo-pad moustache.

The Guardian - Film

The first photograph that McCullin had printed in the Observer was a 1958 picture of a north London gang called "The Guv'nors" – a group of teddy boys resplendent in their exaggerated, smart clothes, rising through and out of a bomb-damaged building.

The Guardian

Frank Sidebottom, resplendent in a fibreglass head, shuffled onto the 80s pop scene like a postmodern riff on George Formby or Norman Wisdom, full of guileless chatter and novelty tunes.

The Guardian - Film

A statement on Ebury's website said: "Resplendent with 1980s and early 90s pop culture references, photos and comic-strip illustrations, The Cereal Killer cafe will remind you of happy days when cereal boxes came with toys inside and free games came on the back of the box".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Resplendent in yellow, the Regal lives up to its name; it is a striking original 1930s building.

The Guardian - Film

The bride's handlebars were resplendent with cream flowers; she wore a practical ish) jumpsuit for the task.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the rehearsal dinner, Knowles and Ferguson screened the film they had watched on their first date: the 1975 Berry Gordy-produced movie Mahogany, in which Diana Ross plays a fashion designer and is resplendent in a series of terribly autumn/winter 2014 wide-brimmed hats and jumpsuits.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Warner in particular was resplendent, peeling off a whole Australian theme bar's worth of back-foot punches and jabs and skipping down the wicket to Graeme Swann with Haydenesque muscularity.

The Guardian - Sport

A dapper, clean-shaven figure, Mr Uppal drew their attention to Canada, where a namesake, Tim Uppal, is a Conservative minister, resplendent in a bushy black beard and turban.

The Economist

The film shows Reza, resplendent in gown and turban, flirting with a comely widow, picking the pocket of a Tehran swell and fluffing his lines after inadvertently becoming prayer leader of a small-town mosque.In this section Crime and punishment DeBaathify, then reBaathify?

The Economist

BEFORE the gates of the Dome of the Rock, a resplendent golden Muslim shrine built on the ruins of what Jews believe was their biblical temple, the besuited deputy speaker of Israel's parliament, Moshe Feiglin, this week swayed from side to side in solemn prayer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resplendent" when you want to convey a sense of brilliant and striking beauty, especially in formal or descriptive writing. It's stronger than simply saying something is 'bright' or 'colorful'.

Common error

Avoid using "resplendent" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural or pretentious in everyday contexts. Choose simpler, more direct adjectives like 'beautiful' or 'stunning'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "resplendent" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns by describing them as shining brilliantly or attractively, adding a sense of splendor and visual appeal. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing examples from various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Resplendent" is an adjective used to describe something as brilliantly shining or strikingly attractive. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in formal writing. It commonly appears in contexts such as "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", denoting a formal register. When aiming to elevate your descriptions, consider using "resplendent" to add a touch of grandeur. However, keep in mind its formality and avoid using it in casual settings. Related alternatives include "radiant", "glorious", and "splendid", each offering slight nuances in meaning. While there are no particular grammatical errors to note, overuse in informal contexts can make your language sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

radiant

Focuses on emitting light or energy, suggesting a glow that enhances beauty.

glorious

Emphasizes magnificence and great beauty, often with a sense of grandeur.

splendid

Highlights impressiveness and magnificence, focusing on overall excellence.

brilliant

Stresses exceptional brightness and striking quality.

magnificent

Conveys grandeur and impressive beauty, suggesting something remarkable.

dazzling

Implies a brilliance that overwhelms or astonishes, creating a sense of awe.

shining

A more straightforward term indicating brightness or luminosity.

glittering

Emphasizes a sparkling or twinkling light, suggesting richness and ornamentation.

luminous

Focuses on emitting or reflecting light, often with a soft or gentle quality.

vibrant

Highlights vivid colors and energy, suggesting liveliness and vibrancy.

FAQs

How can I use "resplendent" in a sentence?

Use "resplendent" to describe something that is brilliantly shining or strikingly attractive. For example, "The queen looked "resplendent" in her diamond necklace".

What are some synonyms for "resplendent"?

Alternatives to "resplendent" include "radiant", "glorious", "splendid", "brilliant", and "magnificent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "resplendent" a formal word?

Yes, "resplendent" is considered a formal word. It's best suited for descriptive writing or situations where you want to convey a sense of grandeur or striking beauty.

What is the difference between "resplendent" and "beautiful"?

"Beautiful" is a general term for attractiveness. "Resplendent" implies a more intense and striking beauty, often associated with brightness, rich colors, or elaborate decoration. Something that is "resplendent" is not just beautiful, but also dazzling or magnificent.