radiance
UK: ˈreɪdiəns | US: ˈreɪdiəns
n. the quality or state of radiating light or brightness
n. a glowing or shining appearance
n. (figurative) a quality of joy, health, or vitality that is visibly evident
radiance = radi<shine> + ance<noun suffix>
- radi (from Latin radius, meaning "ray, beam of light")
- ance (a noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality, from Latin -antia)
Etymology Origin:
The word "radiance" traces back to the Latin radius (ray), which originally referred to the spoke of a wheel but later extended metaphorically to beams of light. The suffix -ance was added in Middle English to form a noun denoting the state of emitting light. Over time, "radiance" expanded beyond literal brightness to describe figurative brilliance (e.g., joy or vitality). The logic follows the imagery of light spreading outward, much like spokes from a wheel’s center.
The radiance of the sunrise painted the sky in hues of gold.
Her face glowed with a radiance that captivated everyone.
The diamond’s radiance was enhanced by the spotlight.
His kindness gave him an inner radiance that drew people to him.
The moon’s radiance dimmed as clouds drifted across the sky.