refulgent
Meaning
shining brightly; radiant
Structure
Usage
the refulgent moon illuminated the entire valley.
she wore a necklace of refulgent diamonds that caught every eye.
the artist captured the refulgent glow of the sunset over the water.
Etymology
the word 'refulgent' is built upon the latin verb "fulgēre," meaning to flash or shine. the intensive prefix "re-" was added in latin to form "refulgēre," intensifying the sense to "shine brightly" or "be radiant." the present participle stem of this verb, "refulgent-," was adopted into english via the latin adjective "refulgens," with the "-ent" suffix marking its adjectival quality. thus, the modern english meaning directly preserves the classical sense of a brilliant, dazzling light.
Analysis
re- (latin origin, an intensive prefix meaning "back, again, thoroughly"); fulg- (latin origin, from the verb "fulgēre" meaning "to shine, flash"); -ent (latin origin, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "being in a state or condition").