noun
splendor
SPLEN-dur/ˈsplɛndər/
Magnificent beauty or grandeur.
The peacock displays the full splendor of its jewel-colored tail.
Etymology
Latin splendor meant brightness or brilliance. That image of radiance broadened into magnificence, including an impressive display of riches and elegance.
In context
the beauty and the splendor, the flying lambrequins, the jeweled crests, the blazonry and richness of surcoat and of shield
More examples
- Even in ruins, the temple retains much of its splendor.
- The sunset fills the sky with golden splendor.
- Visitors marvel at the architectural splendors of the old city.
Forms
splendor · splendors
splendid adjective — Magnificently beautiful, grand, or exceptionally impressive.
Similar words
- grandeur
- Emphasizes imposing scale and dignity rather than dazzling beauty.
- magnificence
- Emphasizes impressive richness or excellence, not necessarily visual beauty.