Effulgent
Word of the Day
What is Effulgent?
adjective
Shining brightly; radiant.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to light up autumn with a word of brilliance and warmth.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
An effulgent sunrise spilled gold across the harbor.
Her effulgent smile steadied the nervous team.
The cathedral’s effulgent windows bathed the nave in color.
Word Origins
Latin effulgere “to shine out”
Related to “refulgent”; both used in poetry and sermons.
First appearance in English: 17th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
The effulgence of the noon sun was overwhelming.
-
Adjective:
A refulgent halo crowned the painting.
-
Adjective:
The luminous dome gleamed at dusk.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: refulgente
- French: éfulgent / resplendissant
- German: strahlend / glänzend
- Italian: refulgente
- Portuguese: refulgente
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Resplendent
Adds grandeur and richness to shine.
Luminous
General brightness; effulgent is blazing.
Incandescent
Physical emission by heat; effulgent is poetic.
Fun Facts
- “Refulgent” is a near twin; both come from Latin roots for shining.
- In rhetoric, effulgence can describe moral brilliance as well as light.
Cultural Usage
- Effulgent is used metaphorically for bright stars and nebulae.
- Victorian poets loved “effulgent” to intensify radiance.
Common Mistakes
Not “effluent” (wastewater)!
Micro Story
She stepped into the effulgent glow of the stage lights and smiled.