WordValeradiant
sending out light; glowing
In more detail
1. (adjective) shining brightly or glowing with light
2. (adjective) looking or feeling happy and healthy
3. (adjective) spreading out from a central point
Examples
- 1. The radiant sun filled the room with warm light.
- 2. She had a radiant smile on her face after winning the award.
- 3. The radiant heat from the fireplace warmed the whole house.
How to use radiant
Radiant is used to describe something that emits or reflects light in a bright, attractive way, or metaphorically to describe someone appearing joyful and healthy. It carries positive connotations and is more literary or elevated than simple alternatives like 'bright' or 'happy'. The term often suggests an inner quality that shines outward, whether literal light or emotional warmth.
Common phrases
- radiant smile
- radiant beauty
- radiant heat
- radiant skin
- radiant with joy
- radiant light
Synonyms
glowing · luminous · beaming · brilliant · shining
Opposites
dull · dim · dark
Word family
radiance (noun) · radiantly (adverb) · radiate (verb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'radiant' to describe objects or situations that are merely bright without the implication of warmth, glow, or positive emotion that the word typically conveys in modern English.
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