Effulgent: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'effulgent' comes from the Latin 'effulgere', which means 'to shine out or to radiate'.
• It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, reflecting a poetic use of light.
• This term has roots in the Latin 'fl gere', meaning 'to shine', linking it to several other words related to light.

Literature

• In literature, 'effulgent' is often used to describe characters, settings, or moments that radiate beauty or goodness.
• Famous authors, like William Blake, have used it to evoke vivid imagery and strong emotional responses.
• The term is found in poetry, often illustrating enlightenment or heavenly qualities, enhancing the sensory experience for readers.

Science

• In astronomy, celestial bodies like stars and quasars can be described as effulgent due to their intense brightness and energy emission.
• The phenomenon of bioluminescence in certain organisms can also be seen as an effulgent display in nature, showcasing light produced by living creatures.
• Effulgence is related to concepts in physics about radiant energy and light emissions from various sources.

Art

• Artists often use bright colors and methods to create effulgent visuals, capturing the attention of their audience.
• Impressionism introduced effulgent light effects, where artists like Claude Monet depicted sunlight beautifully reflecting off landscapes.
• In religious art, halos around figures often represent an effulgent quality to symbolize holiness and divinity.

Philosophy

• Philosophically, 'effulgence' can metaphorically refer to enlightenment or understanding, shedding light on complex ideas.
• Some Eastern philosophies speak of an inner effulgent state achieved through meditation, representing clarity and peace.
• In Platonic thought, the idea of forms includes a concept of effulgent beauty as an ideal, transcending ordinary experiences.

Ranking #35,799, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 35799 effulgent
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• 35802 trivialize
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