radiant
/ˈreɪdiənt/adjective★Intermediate💡 shining brightly
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary