What does "brilliant" mean?
A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to maximize light return through the top (called "table") of the stone.
Brilliant
/ˈbɹɪljənt/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to maximize light return through the top (called "table") of the stone.
- Grammar: brilliant is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: bright, superb, ablaze, able.
- Useful contrasts: opaque, awful, dark.
- Usage evidence: Russell was a brilliant philosopher, but even the simplest practical task was quite beyond him.
How to use "brilliant"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "brilliant" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "brilliant" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "brilliant" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "brilliant" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "brilliant" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bright" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "brilliant", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to maximize light return through the top (called "table") of the stone. countable, uncountable
"This snuffbox — on the hinge see brilliants shine."
- 2 The size of type between excelsior and diamond, standardized as 4-point. dated, uncountable
- 3 Most hummingbird species of the genus Heliodoxa. countable, uncountable
- 4 A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To cut (a diamond) with many facets, to make it into a brilliant. transitive
"In short, the diamond owed more to being brillianted and polished, and well set, than to any intrinsic worth or solidity."
Adjective
- 1 Shining brightly.
"the brilliant lights along the promenade"
- 2 Both bright and saturated.
"butterflies with brilliant blue wings"
- 3 Having a sharp, clear tone.
- 4 Of surpassing excellence; magnificent.
"The actor's performance in the play was simply brilliant."
- 5 Highly intelligent.
"She is a brilliant scientist."
Adjective
- 1 full of light; shining intensely wordnet
- 2 having strong or striking color wordnet
- 3 characterized by grandeur wordnet
- 4 having or marked by unusual and impressive intelligence wordnet
- 5 clear and sharp and ringing wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 of surpassing excellence wordnet
Example
"Russell was a brilliant philosopher, but even the simplest practical task was quite beyond him."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "brilliant"?
Common synonyms include: bright, superb, ablaze, able, accomplished, adept.
How do you use "brilliant" in a sentence?
Russell was a brilliant philosopher, but even the simplest practical task was quite beyond him.
How do you pronounce "brilliant"?
Pronounced /ˈbɹɪljənt/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French brillant (late 17th century), present participle of the verb briller, from Italian brillare, possibly from Latin berillus, beryllus (“a beryl, gem, eyeglass”), from Ancient Greek βήρυλλος (bḗrullos, “beryl”).