resplendent

What does “resplendent” mean?

adjective.attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages describing nature, art, or grand celebrations, emphasizing beauty and brilliance that captivates the observer. It implies a sense of awe and admiration, suggesting not just vividness but also an extravagant or majestic quality, distinguishing it from similar words like "luminous," which conveys light without the richness or opulence.

Common Confusions

Resplendent implies a rich and extravagant beauty that captivates, while radiant usually suggests a bright and shining quality without the same level of opulence or grandeur.

Example Sentences

• She arrived resplendent in a floor-length emerald gown.

Word Parts: How to Remember “resplendent”

Break “resplendent” into its parts: re- (again, back). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: re- again, back (Latin)