Radiance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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radiance

[ˈreɪdiəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

beauty

The quality or state of being bright or shining, especially in the context of beauty or attractiveness.

Synonyms

brightness, glow, luminosity.

Examples of usage

  • The radiance of the sunset was breathtaking.
  • Her radiance lit up the room.
Context #2 | Noun

happiness

A warm, cheerful quality that is reflected in someone's face or demeanor.

Synonyms

cheerfulness, happiness, joy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
radiance

Typically used to describe a bright light or glow, often symbolizing happiness or beauty. This term is more poetic and visual.

  • Her radiance lit up the room.
  • The radiance of the sun filled the sky.
joy

Refers to a deep and often more intense feeling of great happiness and pleasure. It can describe both momentary feelings and longer-lasting states.

  • The joy of seeing her friend again brought tears to her eyes.
  • He felt pure joy when he held his baby for the first time.
cheerfulness

Describes a state of being happy and optimistic. It is often used to talk about someone's personality or mood.

  • His cheerfulness was contagious.
  • She greeted everyone with cheerfulness every morning.
happiness

A general and broad term used to describe a state of being happy. It can be used in almost any context.

  • Her happiness was evident in her smile.
  • Traveling brings me great happiness.

Examples of usage

  • Her radiance was contagious, spreading joy to everyone around her.
  • The radiance in his eyes showed how happy he was.
Context #3 | Noun

spirituality

An inner glow or aura that is believed to be a sign of spiritual enlightenment or divine presence.

Synonyms

aura, divine light, glow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
radiance

Radiance is used to describe a bright and shining light, often associated with beauty or brilliance.

  • The radiance of the sunset was breathtaking
  • Her smile had a unique radiance that brightened the room
aura

Aura refers to a distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround a person, place, or thing, often intangible.

  • She had an aura of calmness that put everyone at ease
  • The haunted house had a dark and eerie aura
glow

Glow describes a steady, soft light that can emanate from an object or be a visible sign of warmth or emotion on a person's face.

  • The fire gave off a comforting glow
  • Her face had a warm glow after the workout
divine light

Divine light is used in a spiritual or religious context, referring to light that is holy or godly.

  • The stained glass windows depicted saints bathed in divine light
  • He spoke of a divine light guiding his path in life

Examples of usage

  • The yogi's face shone with a peaceful radiance.
  • The radiance of the saint's presence filled the room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, radiance quantifies how much light energy travels in a certain direction per unit area.
  • Radiance plays a crucial role in understanding how heat is transferred from the sun to the earth.
  • In astronomy, celestial bodies are often studied for their radiance to analyze distance and composition.

Art

  • In visual arts, radiance in a painting can evoke emotions by using light to draw attention to certain elements.
  • Artists like Claude Monet often captured the radiance of natural light to create breathtaking landscapes.
  • The concept of radiance is crucial in photography for capturing the perfect lighting effects.

Psychology

  • Radiance can influence mood; brighter environments often improve feelings of happiness and well-being.
  • In psychology, warm colors associated with radiance can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort.
  • People often perceive others who 'radiate' positivity as more attractive and approachable.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict characters with a radiant personality as being confident or charismatic.
  • Songs often use the concept of radiance to describe love and joy, symbolizing something that illuminates life.
  • In fashion, vibrant colors and styles are termed 'radiant', reflecting confidence and joy.

Origin of 'radiance'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'radiantem', meaning 'to emit rays'.
  • It is linked to 'radius', which refers to rays of light, highlighting its connection to brightness.
  • The transition from Latin to Middle French helped influence the modern English form.

The word 'radiance' comes from the Latin word 'radians', meaning shining or gleaming. Throughout history, radiance has been associated with beauty, happiness, and spirituality. It is often used to describe the glowing quality of light, as well as the inner glow that emanates from a person who is filled with joy or spiritual enlightenment.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,980, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.