What does splendour mean?
Splendour means magnificent beauty, brilliance, richness, or grandeur. The word is especially associated with impressive visual spectacle, but it can also describe the distinction and magnificence of a person, event, achievement, or historical period. Phrases such as 'the splendour of the occasion' and 'architectural splendour' are especially characteristic. In literary and formal writing, splendour conveys more than simple attractiveness: it suggests richness, refinement, scale, or dazzling display. The term is sometimes applied to landscapes and natural formations, as in 'the splendour of the mountains,' while also describing ceremonial or public occasions. British English generally spells it 'splendour'; American English generally uses 'splendor.'
nounMagnificent or dazzling beauty, richness, or grandeur. It can also refer to the impressive spectacle or distinction associated with a place, event, or achievement.
- Magnificent or dazzling beauty and richness.
- Grandeur, magnificence, or impressive distinction.
"The candlelit hall was filled with the splendour of the ceremony."
"Visitors were struck by the splendour of the mountain landscape."
"The festival has become famous for the splendour of its opening ceremony."
Normally used in the plural when referring to several beautiful or magnificent things, places, or spectacles.
"The region's coastal splendours attract visitors throughout the year."
From the Latin for shining, splendour has long described everything from royal ceremony to the dazzling appearance of polished marble.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does splendour come from?
Splendour entered Middle English through Old French splendo(u)r, a word derived from Latin splendor. Latin splendor in turn came from splendere, 'to shine,' and referred to brightness or brilliance. The English word originally described intense brightness before extending to magnificence, excellence, and impressive display; its relatives splendid and resplendent developed from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How splendour is actually used
The word is formal and literary in tone, especially in descriptions of architecture, ceremonies, landscapes, and historical settings. It is more common in British English, whereas American English normally uses the spelling 'splendor'.
Easily confused with splendour
Splendour is the standard British spelling, while splendor is the standard American spelling of the same word.