Definition

The quality of being very bright or intelligent, often used to describe someone's mind or a shining light.

Example

Her brilliance in mathematics earned her a scholarship to a prestigious university.

Conversation

Did you see that new painting at the gallery?

Yes! The brilliance of the colors really stood out to me.

I know, right? It was like the artist captured light itself.

Exactly, it's such a stunning display of brilliance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Brilliance → It is formed from "brilliant" (from Latin "brillare", meaning to shine) and the suffix "-ance" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "brilliance" refers to the state of shining brightly or the quality of being exceptionally bright or intelligent.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'shines' ('brillare') and the '-ance' indicating a state or quality — that's why brilliance means the quality of shining brightly.

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