Brilliant

Pronunciation

• IPA: /'bɹɪljÉ™nt/

Origin

From French brillant, from Medieval Latin as if *berilare ("to sparkle like a beryl or other precious stone"), from Latin berillus, beryllus ("a beryl, gem, eyeglass"), from Ancient Greek βήρυλλος (bērullos, "beryl").

Full definition of brilliant

Adjective

1. Shining brightly.the brilliant lights along the promenade
2. (of a colour) Both bright and saturated.butterflies with brilliant blue wings
3. (of a voice or sound) having a sharp, clear tone
4. Of surpassing excellence.The actor's performance in the play was simply brilliant.
5. Magnificent or wonderful.
6. Highly intelligent.She is a brilliant scientist.

Synonyms

• (shining brightly) glittering, shining
• (of a colour: both light and saturated)
• (of a voice or sound: having a sharp, clear tone)
• (surpassing excellence) excellent, distinctive, striking, superb (obsolete except in UK usage)
• (magnificent or wonderful) exceptional, glorious, magnificent, marvellous/marvelous, splendid, wonderful (obsolete except in UK usage)
• (highly intelligent) brainy, ingenious

Related terms

• brilliance
• brilliantine
• brilliantness

Noun

1. A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, having many facets.
• Alexander PopeThis snuffbox — on the hinge see brilliants shine.
• 1891, Arthur Conan Doyle, A Case of Identity“And the ring?” I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which sparkled upon his finger.
2. (printing) A small size of type.
3. A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.