splendour
UK: ˈsplɛndə | US: ˈsplɛndər
n. magnificent and impressive appearance or quality; grandeur
n. brilliant radiance or brightness
n. (archaic) a source of glory or pride
The word splendour traces back to Latin splendor ("brightness, brilliance"), derived from splendēre ("to shine"). It entered Middle English via Old French splendur, retaining its core association with light and grandeur. The suffix -our reflects Norman French influence, later standardized in British English (vs. American -or). The word’s evolution mirrors its meaning—rooted in literal brightness, then extending metaphorically to magnificence.
The palace was a vision of splendour, with gold-adorned halls and crystal chandeliers.
The sunset painted the sky in hues of red and gold, a natural splendour.
Medieval knights fought for the splendour of their kingdom’s reputation.
Her dress sparkled with the splendour of a thousand sequins.
The festival celebrated the cultural splendour of the ancient civilization.