resplendent
Meaning
shining brilliantly; characterized by a glowing or dazzling splendor.
Structure
Usage
the ballroom was resplendent with crystal chandeliers and gold leaf.
she arrived at the gala in a resplendent gown of emerald green silk.
the resplendent sunset painted the sky in vibrant hues of orange and purple.
Etymology
the word "resplendent" originates from the latin verb resplendēre, meaning "to shine brightly," which itself is formed from the intensive prefix re- combined with splendēre ("to shine"). the root splend- can be traced back to the proto-indo-european root (s)plend-, carrying the core idea of brightness or shining. entering english via old french in the late middle english period, the literal sense of "shining brilliantly" evolved to describe anything possessing a magnificent, dazzling, and impressive brilliance, whether literal or figurative.
Analysis
• re-: a latin prefix meaning "again" or, in intensive use, "very" or "thoroughly".
• splend: from latin splendēre, meaning "to shine".
• -ent: a latin-derived adjective-forming suffix meaning "being in a state or condition".