Glorious

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɡlɔː.ɹi.É™s/
• US IPA: /ˈɡlɔɹ.i.É™s/
• Rhymes: -ɔːɹiÉ™s

Origin

Anglo-Norman and Old French glorius et al., from Latin glōriōsus. Replaced native Middle English wuldrig, from Old English.

Full definition of glorious

Adjective

1. Exhibiting attributes, qualities, or acts that are worthy of or receive glory; noble; praiseworthy; excellent; illustrious; inspiring admiration; as, glorious deeds.
• 1604, William Shakespeare, Othello, Act III, Scene III, line 351:Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump,
  The spirit-stirring drum, th' ear-piercing fife,
  The royal banner, and all quality,
  Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war!
• unknown date John Milton:These are thy glorious works, Parent of good.
• 2012, August 23, Alasdair Lamont, Hearts 0-1 LiverpoolBorini missed another glorious opportunity to give his side the lead after brilliant set-up play by Sterling, but with only the exposed keeper to beat, he struck the post.
2. Splendid; resplendent; bright; shining, as the sun, gold, or other shiny objects.
• 1590, William Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part II, Act III, Scene I, line 351:And this fell tempest shall not cease to rage
  Until the golden circuit on my head,
  Like to the glorious sun's transparent beams,
  Do calm the fury of this mad-bred flaw.
3. (obsolete) Eager for glory or distinction; haughty; boastful; ostentatious; vainglorious.
• 1609, William Shakespeare, Cymbeline, Act I, Scene VI, line 6:... but most miserable
  Is the desire that’s glorious: blest be those,
  How mean soe’er, that have their honest wills,
  Which seasons comfort. ...
4. (colloquial) Ecstatic; hilarious; elated with drink.
• unknown date Robert Burns:... kings may be blest, but Tam was glorious, O’er all the ills of life victorious.
• unknown date John Dryden:During his office treason was no crime, The sons of Belial had a glorious time.

Derived terms

• gloriousness

Related terms

• glorify
• glory