Brilliant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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brilliant
[หbrษชljษnt ]
Definitions
intelligence
Exceptionally clever or talented. Marked by outstanding brightness, talent, or intelligence.
Synonyms
bright, clever, genius, intelligent, smart.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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brilliant |
Use 'brilliant' to describe someone exceptionally talented, intelligent, or outstanding in a particular area. It often carries a positive and impressive connotation.
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clever |
Use 'clever' to refer to someone who is quick to understand, learn, or devise intelligent solutions. It often implies practical or crafty intelligence.
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intelligent |
Use 'intelligent' to describe someone with a high level of mental ability, reasoning, and understanding. This is a general term for cognitive capability.
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smart |
Use 'smart' to describe someone who is clever, quick-thinking, and often resourceful. It is a versatile term that can apply to both practical and academic intelligence.
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genius |
Use 'genius' to describe someone with extraordinary intellectual or creative power. This word is reserved for those with exceptional talent or aptitude.
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bright |
Use 'bright' to describe someone who is quick-witted, intelligent, and often optimistic. It can also refer to a lively or cheerful personality.
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Examples of usage
- She is a brilliant scientist, known for her groundbreaking research.
- The students gave a brilliant performance in the school play.
- The author's brilliant mind shines through in her writing.
light
Giving off or reflecting much light; shining. Very bright or vivid.
Synonyms
dazzling, gleaming, luminous, radiant, shining.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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brilliant |
Describing someone's intelligence or talent, or something that is extremely impressive.
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shining |
Referring to something that emits light or glows, often used in a straightforward manner.
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radiant |
Describing something that is glowing with light or happiness, often used for people or things that emit joy or warmth.
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gleaming |
Describing something that is shining with a soft, steady light, often suggesting cleanliness or newness.
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luminous |
Emphasizing something that glows softly in the dark, or something that provides light in a gentle way.
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dazzling |
Referring to something extremely bright or impressive, often in a blinding or overwhelming way.
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Examples of usage
- The sun was shining brilliantly in the clear sky.
- The diamonds on her necklace sparkled brilliantly in the light.
- The fireworks lit up the night sky brilliantly.
informal
A very bright and intelligent person, typically a child.
Synonyms
gifted child, prodigy, smartypants, whiz kid.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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brilliant |
Same as above, commonly used for both adults and children to describe outstanding intelligence or talent.
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whiz kid |
Used to describe a young person who is exceptionally skilled and successful, particularly in demanding fields like technology, science, or business.
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prodigy |
Used to describe a young person, typically a child, who has extraordinary abilities or talent in a particular field, like music, mathematics, or sports.
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smartypants |
This term is used to describe someone who is perceived as being overly confident or showy about their intelligence. It often has a negative connotation.
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gifted child |
This term is used specifically to describe a child who shows exceptional talent or intelligence in one or more areas. It is often used in educational contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He's a little brilliant - he can already solve complex math problems at his age.
- The young girl is a brilliant, always coming up with creative ideas.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In the field of optics, 'brilliant' is used to describe the intensity and clarity of light, particularly in relation to gemstones that reflect light beautifully.
- The term also describes brain function in psychology, where 'brilliant' refers to exceptionally high intelligence and creativity.
Pop Culture
- The term is commonly used to describe artists and performers who exhibit extraordinary talent, such as brilliant musicians or actors.
- Many famous figures, like Albert Einstein, are often referred to as brilliant due to their groundbreaking work in science.
Literature
- In literature, 'brilliant' is frequently used to describe writing styles or characters that exhibit sharp wit and intelligence.
- Classic works often portray brilliant characters as either heroes or tragic figures, highlighting the dual nature of great intelligence.
Education
- Many educational programs use the term 'brilliant' to encourage students by recognizing and celebrating their superior academic achievements.
- Brilliant ideas in education can lead to innovative teaching methods and inspire students to think critically.
Origin of 'brilliant'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'brillare', meaning 'to shine' or 'to be bright'.
- Originally, it was used in the context of light and gems, reflecting something that sparkles or shines vividly.
The word 'brilliant' has its origins in the Latin word 'brillare', meaning 'to shine'. It was first used in English in the late 17th century to describe something shining brightly. Over time, the meaning expanded to include intelligence and talent. Today, 'brilliant' is commonly used to praise someone's exceptional abilities or to describe something vividly bright.