Resplendent

/rɪˈsplɛndənt/ adjective

Definition

Shining brilliantly; gleaming with magnificent brightness that commands attention and admiration. Splendor that radiates outward in all directions.

Etymology

From Latin re- (again, intensely) plus splendere (to shine). The Romans took their word for shining and doubled down on it — resplendent means shining so hard it shines twice! It's the superlative of luminosity, brightness with an exclamation point, light that refuses to be ignored.

Kelly Says

The Romans literally took 'shining' and said 'but what if it shined REALLY, REALLY hard?' That's resplendent — it's shining with attitude! This isn't gentle glowing or soft radiance — this is light that announces itself, light with confidence, light that makes you shield your eyes and then look again because it's so magnificent. A sunset can be beautiful, but when it's resplendent, it stops traffic and makes strangers point at the sky together!

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