First Known Use: 1696
Dictionary
1brilliant
adjective bril·liant \ˈbril-yənt\
: very bright : flashing with light
: very impressive or successful
: extremely intelligent : much more intelligent than most people
Full Definition of BRILLIANT
1
: very bright : glittering <a brilliant light>
2
a : striking, distinctive <a brilliant example> b : distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness
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Origin of BRILLIANT
French brillant, present participle of briller to shine, from Italian brillare
Related to BRILLIANT
Synonym Discussion of BRILLIANT
bright, brilliant, radiant, luminous, lustrous mean shining or glowing with light. bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light. brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness. radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light. luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness. lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.
2brilliant
noun
Definition of BRILLIANT
: a gem (as a diamond) cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to have special brilliance
Illustration of BRILLIANT
First Known Use of BRILLIANT
1690
BRILLIANT Defined for Kids
brilliant
adjective bril·liant \ˈbril-yənt\
Definition of BRILLIANT for Kids
1
: flashing with light : very bright <brilliant jewels>
2
: very impressive <a brilliant career>
3
: very smart or clever <a brilliant student>
— bril·liant·ly adverb
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