Radiant Meaning and Definition
_radiant
Pronunciation
/ˈrɑːdiənt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A radiant person or thing is one that emits or reflects light, warmth, or energy, often with a sense of brightness, excitement, or enthusiasm.
Examples
1. “The radiant smile on her face lit up the room.”
2. “The sunny weather made the radiant colors of the flowers even more vibrant.”
Synonyms
1. Bright
2. Resplendent
3. Dazzling
Antonyms
1. Dull
2. Dismal
3. Muted
Etymology
The word “radiant” comes from the Latin “radiare,” meaning “to emit rays” or “to shine.” This Latin term is derived from “radius,” meaning “ray” or “spoke.” The word “radiant” has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe something that gives off light or warmth.
Usage Notes
The word “radiant” is often used to describe people, objects, or situations that evoke a sense of happiness, energy, or enthusiasm. It can be used as an adjective to describe something that is bright, shining, or impressive.
Example: “The radiant cityscape at night was breathtaking.”
Cultural References
The word “radiant” has been used in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character of Daisy Buchanan is described as “radiant” in her beauty.
In music, the word “radiant” has been used in song titles, such as “Radiant” by Marina Lamar and “Brighter than the Sun (Radiant Love)” by Adele.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “A radiant smile” – a warm and welcoming smile.
2. “Radiant with joy” – filled with happiness and excitement.
Collocations
1. “Radiant sunshine” – warm and pleasant weather.
2. “Radiant beauty” – natural and inner beauty.
3. “Radiant with excitement” – full of enthusiasm and energy.
Frequency of Use
The word “radiant” is a relatively common adjective in modern English, used in various contexts to describe something that is bright, shining, or impressive.
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, “radiant” appears in approximately 1.4% of all written texts.
Common Misspellings
1. Radian
2. Radiot
3. Radiance
Additional Information
Radiant colors can be found in nature, such as the vibrant hues of sunsets, flowers, and rainbows. In art and design, radiant colors are often used to create a sense of energy and excitement.
Words related to radiant, such as bright, brilliant, and resplendent, are often used interchangeably to convey the same meaning.
Imagery and symbolism associated with radiant often involve light, warmth, and energy, highlighting the positive connotations of the word.