Brilliant: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'brilliant' to describe someone exceptionally talented, intelligent, or outstanding in a particular area. It often carries a positive and impressive connotation.

• She came up with a brilliant idea that solved the problem instantly
• The scientist received a brilliant award for his research

Use 'clever' to refer to someone who is quick to understand, learn, or devise intelligent solutions. It often implies practical or crafty intelligence.

• She found a clever way to fix the broken machine
• His clever remarks kept everyone entertained

Use 'intelligent' to describe someone with a high level of mental ability, reasoning, and understanding. This is a general term for cognitive capability.

• He is an intelligent person who easily grasps complex concepts
• The intelligent design of the software impressed everyone

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.

• She made a smart decision to invest in that company
• The smart kid solved the puzzle in no time

Use 'genius' to describe someone with extraordinary intellectual or creative power. This word is reserved for those with exceptional talent or aptitude.

• Albert Einstein is regarded as a genius in the field of physics
• The musician's new album was a work of genius

Use 'bright' to describe someone who is quick-witted, intelligent, and often optimistic. It can also refer to a lively or cheerful personality.

• He's a bright student who always asks insightful questions
• Her bright attitude makes the workplace a better environment

Describing someone's intelligence or talent, or something that is extremely impressive.

• She had a brilliant idea that solved all our problems.
• His performance was simply brilliant.

Referring to something that emits light or glows, often used in a straightforward manner.

• The stars were shining brightly in the night sky.
• She has a shining reputation in her field.

Describing something that is glowing with light or happiness, often used for people or things that emit joy or warmth.

• The bride looked radiant on her wedding day.
• The sun was radiant in the clear blue sky.

Describing something that is shining with a soft, steady light, often suggesting cleanliness or newness.

• The freshly polished car was gleaming in the sunlight.
• Her eyes were gleaming with excitement.

Emphasizing something that glows softly in the dark, or something that provides light in a gentle way.

• The watch has a luminous dial that is easy to read in the dark.
• Her skin looked luminous in the candlelight.

Referring to something extremely bright or impressive, often in a blinding or overwhelming way.

• The necklace had dazzling diamonds.
• Her smile was dazzling under the spotlights.

Same as above, commonly used for both adults and children to describe outstanding intelligence or talent.

• A brilliant student, she always scores top marks in exams
• His brilliant musical performance was jaw-dropping

Used to describe a young person who is exceptionally skilled and successful, particularly in demanding fields like technology, science, or business.

• The whiz kid developed a new app that is already gaining traction
• He's the whiz kid of the coding community, solving complex problems with ease

Used to describe a young person, typically a child, who has extraordinary abilities or talent in a particular field, like music, mathematics, or sports.

• Mozart was a musical prodigy, composing music at a very young age
• The chess prodigy competed against top players while still in elementary school

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.

• Stop being such a smartypants and let someone else answer the question
• The smartypants in the class always tries to make everyone else look dumb

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.

• The school has special programs for gifted children
• As a gifted child, she excelled in both math and creative writing