brilliant
English meaning: Brilliant
Definition
A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to maximize light return through the top (called "table") of the stone.
Example
“She came up with a brilliant idea to solve the problem.”
Another example: “The jeweller showed me a flawless brilliant set in platinum.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Most familiar as an adjective: very bright ('brilliant light'), highly intelligent ('a brilliant mind'), or, informally in British English, excellent ('That's brilliant!'). As a noun, a diamond cut to maximise sparkle. Register from neutral to enthusiastically informal.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From French 'brillant', present participle of 'briller' (to shine), from Italian 'brillare', perhaps from Latin 'beryllus' (beryl); 17th century.
Synonyms
- glorious
- bright
- vivid
- impressive
- intelligent
- superb
- reverberant
- splendid
- magnificent
- ringing
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
Common Collocations
- brilliant idea
- brilliant mind
- absolutely brilliant
- brilliant sunshine
- brilliant career
- brilliant performance
Word Forms
brilliant (adj/n); brilliantly (adv); brilliance (n)
Word Tools
Tools & Calculators
Maturity = 146,932.81 · Interest earned = 46,932.81
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B