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Effulgence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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effulgence

[ɪˈfʌldʒəns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

brightness light

Effulgence refers to a radiant brightness or a dazzling light. It is often used to describe a quality of brilliance that emanates from a source, imparting a sense of brilliance and clarity.

Synonyms

brilliance, glow, luminescence, radiance.

Examples of usage

  • The effulgence of the sun lit up the entire landscape.
  • Her smile possessed an effulgence that brightened the room.
  • The effulgence of the stars was breathtaking against the night sky.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The word is often used in poetry to describe brilliant sunlight or a person's vibrant personality.
  • In literature, authors might use 'effulgence' to evoke feelings of warmth and joy associated with brightness.
  • Notable poets, such as John Keats and William Blake, employed the term to enhance imagery in their works.

Science

  • In physics, 'effulgence' may refer to the intensity of light emitted from a source like a star.
  • It can also describe the measurement of luminous flux, which reflects how much light is visible to the human eye.
  • Scientists study the effulgence of celestial bodies to understand their composition and distance from Earth.

Art

  • Artists often depict effulgent scenes in paintings, using bright colors to convey radiance and inspiration.
  • The Impressionist movement celebrated effulgence through the use of light and color, especially in paintings of sunrise and sunset.
  • The concept of light and effulgence has been a subject in various art forms, symbolizing enlightenment and divinity.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Plato used imagery of light and effulgence to illustrate knowledge and truth, contrasting it with shadows of ignorance.
  • The idea of effulgence relates to concepts of enlightenment in both Eastern and Western philosophies.
  • In some spiritual texts, effulgence is associated with divine presence and illumination of the mind.

Origin of 'effulgence'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'effulgentia', where 'ef-' means 'out of' and 'fulgere' means 'to shine'.
  • It entered the English language in the 17th century, commonly used in poetry and literature.
  • The root 'fulgere' relates to several other English words linked to brightness, such as 'fulguration' and 'fulgent'.

The word 'effulgence' originates from the Latin word 'effulgere', which means 'to shine forth'. This itself is derived from the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'fulgere' which means 'to shine'. The term has been in use since the 17th century, signifying not just light in a physical sense, but often representing metaphorical or spiritual brightness as well. As the language evolved, 'effulgence' began to convey a deeper sense of brilliance and beauty, often found in poetry and literary works to describe moments of clarity and insight. Its use has been prominent in contexts that convey overwhelming brilliance, whether from the natural world or as a description of human expression.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,340 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.