brilliant etymology

Etymology:

The word "brilliant" is derived from the Old French word "brillant," which in turn comes from the Vulgar Latin word "brillare," meaning "to shine."

Meaning:

1. Emitting or reflecting light to a significant degree:

   • The diamond sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight.
   • The stars shone brilliantly in the night sky.

2. Exceptionally intelligent, talented, or accomplished:

   • She was a brilliant scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries.
   • He was a brilliant artist whose paintings were highly acclaimed.

3. Very impressive or outstanding:

   • The movie was brilliant; it kept me captivated throughout.
   • The performance was simply brilliant.

Origin:

The Vulgar Latin word "brillare" is believed to have originated from one of two sources:

1. The Proto-Indo-European root "*bher-"" (to shine, to gleam): This root is found in many Indo-European languages, including Sanskrit, Greek, and Germanic.
2. The Celtic languages: Some scholars believe that "brillare" is derived from a Celtic root meaning "to shine" or "to glitter."

During the Middle Ages, the word "brillant" entered the French language. It was later adopted into English in the 15th century.

brilliant relate terms

• beryl

  Etymology The word beryl is derived from the Greek word βήρυλλος bēryllos

• brilliance

  Etymology Latin brillians antis present participle of brillāre to shine sparkle

• brilliant

  Etymology The word brilliant is derived from the Old French word brillant which in

• brilliancy

• brilliancy

• brilliant

  Etymology The word brilliant is derived from the Old French word brillant which in

• brilliance

  Etymology Latin brillians antis present participle of brillāre to shine sparkle

• bright

  Etymology The word bright comes from the Old English word briht which is related to

• vivid

  Etymology The word vivid originates from the Latin word vivus which means alive

• glorious

  Etymology The word glorious comes from the Old French word glorius which in turn com

• gleam

  Etymology The word gleam comes from the Old English word gleam which is thought to b

• anthracite

  Etymology The word anthracite is derived from the Greek words anthrakos meaning co

• aureate

  Etymology The word aureate originates from the Latin word aurum meaning gold Me

• magnificent

  Etymology Latin magnificus Proto Indo European meg n meaning great Meaning

• splendid

  Etymology Latin splendidus shining brilliant magnificent Proto Indo European roo

• superb

  Etymology The word superb originates from the Latin word superbus which means proud