What does refulgent mean?
The adjective refulgent describes something that shines brightly or radiates light. It is often used to describe natural phenomena, such as the sun or stars, but can also be used to describe people, objects, or scenes that emit a bright and dazzling light. Refulgent is a somewhat rare word, typically used in formal or literary contexts, and is often employed to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to descriptions. The word's connotations are overwhelmingly positive, evoking feelings of wonder, joy, and awe. Overall, refulgent is a useful word for adding depth and nuance to descriptions of light and luminosity.
adjectiveShining brightly; radiant.
- Having a bright and shining quality.
- Characterized by or emitting light.
"The refulgent sun broke through the clouds, illuminating the landscape."
"The fireworks exploded in a refulgent display of color and light."
"Her refulgent smile lit up the room."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of refulgent
The word refulgent originates from the Latin word 'refulgens', which is the present participle of 'refulgere', meaning 'to shine back' or 'to reflect light'. This Latin term is derived from 're-', meaning 'back' or 'again', and 'fulgere', meaning 'to shine'. The word refulgent has been used in English since the 17th century, and is related to other English words such as 'refulgence' and 'effulgent'.
Usage notes
Formal or literary usage; somewhat rare.