What does refulgence mean?
Refulgence means a renewed appearance of light, brilliance, or radiance, especially when it follows darkness or obscurity. The word is also used figuratively for the revival of beauty, power, interest, or vitality: a person may describe a remarkable refulgence of public enthusiasm or a refulgence of hope. Its sound and appearance suggest something forceful and radiant, while its Latin roots reinforce the idea of light shining back or returning. Refulgence is uncommon in modern conversation and is more characteristic of formal prose, literary description, and historical or critical writing. It is especially useful when the return of brightness is abrupt, striking, or emotionally significant, since it conveys more than a simple continuation of light. The related adjective refulgent is also literary and means shining brilliantly or brilliantly restored.
nounRefulgence is the restoration or renewed appearance of light, brilliance, or radiance, especially after darkness or obscurity. By extension, it can refer to a striking revival of power, beauty, interest, or activity.
- The restoration or renewed appearance of light, brilliance, or radiance.
- A figurative revival of beauty, power, interest, or vitality.
"The sudden refulgence of the setting sun transformed the dark valley."
"A refulgence of sunlight broke through the clouds and illuminated the courtyard."
"The exhibition witnessed a remarkable refulgence of public interest in traditional weaving."
The plural is refulgences, although plural usage is rare.
"Brief refulgences of sunlight illuminated the narrow passage."
Refulgence is the word for light returning: a brief, radiant resurgence after darkness or obscurity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of refulgence
Refulgence comes from Latin refulgentia, derived from refulgere, meaning “to flash back,” which combines re-, indicating return or repetition, with fulgere, meaning “to shine.” The English word dates from early modern usage and has remained chiefly literary. Related English words such as refulgent and fulgent preserve the same root idea of shining or brilliant radiance.
Related word forms
How refulgence is actually used
Refulgence is primarily formal and literary. It is uncommon in everyday speech but is valued in descriptive writing for its associations with radiance, renewed beauty, and vivid return.
Easily confused with refulgence
Refluence means a return or backflow, especially of liquid, whereas refulgence means a renewed appearance of light, brilliance, or radiance.