radiant

/ˈreɪdiənt/
shining brightly

The bride looked radiant in her white dress.

The bride's appearance was bright and glowing, making her look beautiful.


formal

emitting or reflecting light; shining brightly

The sun was radiant in the clear sky.

The sun was shining brightly in the clear sky.

Often used to describe light or objects that emit a bright glow.

formal

showing great happiness or beauty; glowing

Her face was radiant with joy.

Her face was glowing with happiness.

Used metaphorically to describe people or things that appear bright and beautiful.

Collocations

radiant smilea smile that is bright and beautifulradiant skinskin that appears healthy and glowing

Pro Tip

Metaphorical Use

Radiant is often used metaphorically to describe people or things that appear bright and beautiful, not just objects that emit light.

Word Origin

From Latin 'radiant-', present participle of 'radiāre' meaning 'to shine'.

Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (to describe light) and metaphorically (to describe people or things that appear beautiful or happy).

Word Breakdown

rad
ray
root
+
-iant
having the quality of
suffix
English Dictionary