radiance etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: "radiare" (to emit rays)
  • From the Proto-Indo-European root "*reh₁d-" (to shine)

Meaning:

  • Brightness or luminosity emitted by a source of light.
  • The quality of being radiant or glowing.
  • A feeling of joy or happiness that emanates from a person or thing.
  • A source of light or enlightenment.

Origin:

The word "radiance" has its roots in ancient Latin. It derives from the Latin verb "radiare," which means "to emit rays." This verb is in turn derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*reh₁d-," which also means "to shine." This root is shared by many other words related to light and brightness, such as "ray," "radius," and "rainbow."

The word "radiance" was first used in English in the 16th century. It originally referred to the brightness of the sun or other celestial bodies. Over time, the meaning of the word broadened to include any type of brightness or luminosity. By the 19th century, "radiance" had also come to be used in a metaphorical sense to refer to the quality of being radiant or glowing.

Today, "radiance" is a commonly used word in both its literal and figurative senses. It is used to describe the brightness of light sources, the glow of a person or object, and the feeling of happiness or enlightenment that emanates from someone or something.

radiance relate terms

  • radiant

    Etymology Latin rādĭāre to shine to beam Proto Indo European root rādi to

  • radiation

    Etymology Latin radiare to radiate emit rays Indo European h₁reh₁ to shine

  • radiation

    Etymology Latin radiare to radiate emit rays Indo European h₁reh₁ to shine

  • radius

    Etymology Late Latin radius Classical Latin radius ray spoke of a wheel Proto Ind

  • glow

    Etymology The word glow comes from the Middle English word glowe which in turn is d

  • shine

    Etymology Old English scīnan verb Proto Germanic skīnanan verb Proto Indo Europe

  • refulgence

  • luster

    Etymology Middle English lustre from Old French lustre from Latin lūstrum wash pu

  • gleam

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

  • clarity

    Etymology Latin claritas brightness clearness From the Proto Indo European root

  • lightning

    Etymology The word lightning comes from the Old English word lihtning which means a

  • burnish

    Etymology Old French burnir to polish brighten Latin burnia burnished armor Pr

  • gloss

    Etymology From Middle English glose from Old French glose from Medieval Latin gl

  • corona

    Etymology The word corona is derived from the Latin word corona which means crown