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Luminous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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luminous

[ˈluːmɪnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

light source

Luminous describes something that gives off light, such as the sun, a light bulb, or a star. It can also refer to something that glows in the dark or emits a soft, radiant light.

Synonyms

bright, glowing, radiant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
luminous

Luminous is best used to describe something that shines or emits light, especially in a way that is clear and steady. It often conveys a sense of soft brightness.

  • The luminous moon cast a gentle light over the serene landscape
  • Her dress was made of luminous silk that shimmered in the evening light
bright

Bright is a versatile word for describing something that is very light, colorful, or full of light. It can refer to both literal and metaphorical light.

  • The bright sunlight made it hard to see without sunglasses
  • She has a bright future ahead of her
radiant

Radiant describes something that sends out light or heat in rays. It often has a connotation of strong, penetrating brightness and can also describe a person's healthy and happy appearance.

  • The radiant sun beamed down, making everyone squint
  • She looked radiant on her wedding day, with a bright smile on her face
glowing

Glowing is used to describe something that emits light in a warm and often soft manner. It can also describe someone's complexion or an emotional state of positive excitement.

  • The coals were glowing in the fireplace, providing warmth on a cold night
  • She received glowing reviews for her performance

Examples of usage

  • The moon looked luminous in the night sky.
  • The luminous clock illuminated the room.
Context #2 | Adjective

intelligence or fame

Luminous can also describe someone who is exceptionally intelligent or famous, shining brightly in their field.

Synonyms

brilliant, celebrated, outstanding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
luminous

Used to describe something or someone that emits light or is very bright and clearly visible.

  • The luminous moon lit up the night sky.
  • The watch had luminous hands that glowed in the dark.
brilliant

Describes something or someone extremely bright, impressive, or very intelligent.

  • The scientist came up with a brilliant solution to the problem.
  • Her performance was brilliant and left the audience in awe.
outstanding

Describes something or someone exceptionally good and standing out from the rest.

  • She did an outstanding job on the project.
  • The athlete's outstanding performance won him a gold medal.
celebrated

Used to refer to someone or something that is famous and well-recognized for some achievement or quality.

  • The celebrated author received numerous awards for his novels.
  • The restaurant is celebrated for its exquisite cuisine.

Examples of usage

  • She is a luminous figure in the world of science.
  • His luminous mind impressed everyone.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Luminous organisms, like certain jellyfish and fungi, use bioluminescence to produce their own light through chemical reactions.
  • In physics, luminous intensity is a measure of how much light is emitted in a particular direction, unique for its importance in lighting design.
  • The concept of luminance is used in photography to determine the brightness of an image, highlighting the role of light perception.

Art

  • Artists like Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh mastered the use of luminous colors to create vibrant, dynamic scenes in their paintings.
  • Luminous paints are specially formulated to glow in the dark, adding a unique aspect to modern art installations.
  • In theater, designers often use luminous elements in set designs to create mood and atmosphere, transporting the audience visually.

Technology

  • Luminous displays in electronic devices enhance visibility and user experience, particularly in low-light conditions.
  • LED technology has advanced luminous efficiency, creating brighter and more energy-efficient lighting solutions.
  • The study of luminous materials is essential in developing safety devices that need to be seen in darkness, like emergency exit signs.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, luminous imagery often symbolizes hope, knowledge, or enlightenment, leading characters through darkness.
  • Various cultures celebrate luminous phenomena, such as the Night of the Luminous Lanterns in Southeast Asia, showcasing light as a guide.
  • In spiritual practices, light is considered a powerful symbol, with luminous elements representing purity and divine presence.

Origin of 'luminous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'luminous' comes from Latin 'luminosus', which means 'full of light'.
  • In English, 'luminous' has been used since the late 14th century, associated with bright and shining qualities.
  • Related words include 'illuminated' and 'illumination', which share the root relating to light.

The word 'luminous' comes from the Latin word 'luminosus', meaning 'full of light'. It has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe things that emit light or brightness. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the metaphorical sense of intelligence or fame shining brightly.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,929 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.