brilliant
brilliant Lexical Profile
brilliant Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Exceptionally clever, talented, or intelligent.
"The scientist published a brilliant paper that completely transformed the field of quantum physics."
Emitting or reflecting a large amount of light; exceptionally bright or radiant.
"The brilliant sunlight blinded him momentarily as he stepped out of the dark cave."
British Outstanding, highly impressive, or excellent.
"We had a brilliant time at the jazz festival over the weekend."
• noun
A diamond or other gemstone cut with numerous facets in a specific mathematical pattern to maximize its light return and sparkle.
"The jeweler showed her a stunning two-carat brilliant mounted on a platinum band."
A large, highly iridescent hummingbird of the genus Heliodoxa, native to the mountainous regions of South America.
"The enthusiastic birdwatcher traveled to the Andes and finally spotted a green-crowned brilliant hovering near an orchid."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, 'brilliant' primarily describes exceptional intelligence or radiant light, whereas in British English, it is pervasively used as an everyday colloquialism to mean 'excellent' or 'great'.
• Rhymes for brilliant
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 17th century: from French brillant 'shining', present participle of briller, from Italian brillare 'to sparkle or whirl'. This likely derives from Latin beryllus 'beryl, crystal'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.