resplendence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “resplendence” mean?
Brilliant, splendid, or dazzling brightness and beauty, often to an impressive degree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Brilliant, splendid, or dazzling brightness and beauty, often to an impressive degree.
A quality of magnificent glory, radiant brilliance, or sumptuous visual impressiveness that commands admiration. Can describe literal visual radiance (e.g., of gems, sunlight) or metaphorical glory (e.g., of a ceremony, achievement).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties use the noun 'resplendence'; the adjectival form 'resplendent' is far more common.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word is associated with high style, formality, and grandeur. It is equally likely to appear in descriptive prose in either British or American English.
Frequency
Equally rare and formal in both dialects. Slight edge in frequency may go to British English due to historical literary traditions, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “resplendence” in a Sentence
the resplendence of [NOUN PHRASE]with [ADJECTIVE] resplendence[VERB] in resplendenceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “resplendence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hall resplended with a thousand candles.
- His achievements resplend in the annals of our history.
American English
- The trophy case resplended with gold and silver.
- Her kindness resplends even in her smallest actions.
adverb
British English
- The chandeliers shone resplendently.
- He smiled resplendently upon receiving the award.
American English
- The medals gleamed resplendently on his chest.
- The palace was resplendently decorated for the gala.
adjective
British English
- She looked resplendent in a crimson gown.
- The resplendent jewels were the highlight of the exhibition.
American English
- He was resplendent in his military uniform.
- The resplendent sunset over the canyon took our breath away.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically in high-level, visionary presentations to describe an exceptionally successful product launch or quarterly result: 'the resplendence of our latest earnings report'.
Academic
Rare, but possible in art history, literary criticism, or descriptive historical accounts: 'the baroque resplendence of the chapel's interior'.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Would sound highly pretentious.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “resplendence”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “resplendence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resplendence”
- Misspelling as 'resplend*ance*' (should be '-ence').
- Using in informal contexts where 'brightness' or 'beauty' would suffice, making the speaker sound unnatural.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈrez.plen.dəns/ (stress is on the second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal, and literary word. The adjective 'resplendent' is encountered more frequently, though it is also formal.
Using it in everyday spoken English, where it sounds unnatural and overly fancy. It belongs almost exclusively to written, descriptive, and formal contexts.
Typically, no. Its core meaning is tied to visual brilliance and magnificent appearance. Using it for abstract concepts (e.g., 'the resplendence of her intellect') is a highly poetic, metaphorical extension.
They are very close synonyms. 'Resplendence' often emphasizes the radiating, dazzling quality of light or brilliance more strongly, while 'splendor' can encompass a broader sense of magnificent impressiveness, including scale and grandeur. 'Resplendence' is also the rarer and more literary of the two.
Brilliant, splendid, or dazzling brightness and beauty, often to an impressive degree.
Resplendence is usually formal, literary in register.
Resplendence: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈsplen.dəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈsplen.dəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms use 'resplendence' as a key component.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPLENDID, brilliant, RADIANT prince (hence 're-splend-ence') whose crown and robes are shining so brightly you need to look away.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUABLE IS BRIGHT / GLORY IS LIGHT. Resplendence conceptualizes impressive beauty or glory as a powerful, shining light source.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would the use of 'resplendence' be MOST appropriate?