Resplendency

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A state or quality marked by shining brilliance and vivid beauty that captivates attention with its radiant glow and striking luster
2. The condition of reflecting dazzling light and exuding striking beauty, which enhances visual appeal and creates a sense of grandeur
3. A condition characterized by brilliant brightness and an impressive, majestic look that draws admiration

Etymology: "Resplendency" is a noun built from the Latin verb "resplendere," meaning "to shine brightly," which itself combines "re-" (again, back, intensively) with "splendere" (to shine). The original sense was purely physical: light flashing back off a surface, or something glowing with intense brightness. Over time the image of light was carried over to beauty and impressiveness, so the modern word describes a glowing quality that draws the eye. The English noun is formed on the same stem as "resplendent," with the suffix "-ency" added to turn the adjectival idea into a state or quality. The pattern is common in English, where "-ency" nouns such as "transparency" or "pertinency" name the condition of being whatever the adjective describes. The Latin "splendere" also gave English "splendid" and "splendour," so the family of words shares the same core notion of shining.

Synonyms: brilliance, radiance, luminosity, glow, splendor

Antonyms: dullness, dimness, fadedness