brilliant
Meaning: Exceptionally clever or talented; very bright
Brilliant means exceptionally clever, talented, or impressive. It also describes very bright light or vivid colour. In British informal usage, 'brilliant' is an enthusiastic way to say 'great' or 'wonderful.' The noun 'brilliance' refers to exceptional quality or brightness.
Examples
- She is a brilliant scientist. 她是一位杰出的科学家。Ella es una científica brillante.彼女は優秀な科学者です。그녀는 뛰어난 과학자입니다.
- The fireworks were brilliant against the night sky. 烟花在夜空中灿烂夺目。Los fuegos artificiales fueron brillantes contra el cielo nocturno.花火は夜空に映えて素晴らしかった。불꽃놀이가 밤하늘에 눈부시게 빛났다.
- That's a brilliant idea! 这是个绝妙的主意!¡Esa es una idea brillante!それは素晴らしいアイデアですね!정말 훌륭한 아이디어네요!
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From French 'brillant' meaning 'sparkling, shining', present participle of 'briller' (to shine), from Italian 'brillare' (to sparkle), possibly from Vulgar Latin 'berillare' (to shine like a beryl gemstone). The intellectual sense is figurative.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Story & Trivia
From French 'brillant' meaning 'sparkling,' from 'briller' (to shine). Originally describing light and gems, by the 18th century it had expanded to mean intellectually impressive. In modern British English, 'brilliant' has become a common casual expression of approval, similar to 'great.'
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