- Today's Word
Effulgent
ih-FUL-juhnt
Definition
- (adjective) Radiating brilliance, light, or joy.
Example
Her effulgent smile brightened even the gloomiest room.
Fun Fact
“Effulgent” comes from the Latin effulgere, meaning “to shine forth.” Though often used to describe literal light, such as the glow of the sun or a dazzling stage performance, it can also describe an inner radiance. Historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Princess Diana were often described as effulgent, not for physical light, but for their presence and ability to uplift others with their energy and charisma.
(adjective) Distant from the ordinary; elevated, refined, or thin (as in air at high altitudes).
The scientist’s rarefied theories fascinated her peers but left the public scratching their heads.
From Latin rarefacere, meaning “to make thin.”