brilliance

/ˈbrɪliəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbrɪliəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbril-yən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

brilliance — noun

1. exceptional cleverness or high-level skill that makes a person, idea, or perform

1.名詞B2
釋義

exceptional cleverness or high-level skill that makes a person, idea, or performance stand out strongly

例句

Professor Chen's brilliance solved the bridge problem before sunrise.

show brilliance in solving a problem

Even tired fans saw flashes of brilliance in the young player's passing.

flash of brilliance

同義詞
  • genius

    stronger and often suggests an exceptional natural gift, not just one impressive act

  • intelligence

    broader and more neutral, with less focus on how striking the quality feels

  • talent

    can be more natural ability, while 'brilliance' often highlights the effect it has

  • skill

    more practical and general, without the sense of being outstanding

反義詞
  • stupidity

    lack of good judgment or intelligence

  • incompetence

    lack of the ability or skill needed to do something well

文法句型

show brilliance

brilliance in + subject or activity

flash of brilliance

brilliance lies in + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often appears in phrases such as academic brilliance, technical brilliance, and flash of brilliance. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about powerful light or colour rather than mental power or skill.

常見錯誤

❌She has many brilliances in math.
✅She shows great brilliance in math.
💡this sense is usually uncountable.
❌His brilliance at the piano is amazing.
✅His brilliance on the piano is amazing.
💡use 'on' for an instrument, not 'at', when naming what someone plays.

2. strong brightness from light or colour, often so bright that it seems almost daz

2.名詞B2
釋義

strong brightness from light or colour, often so bright that it seems almost dazzling

例句

The lake's brilliance hurt our eyes at noon.

the brilliance of strong light

Under stage lamps, the silk dress kept its blue brilliance.

colour brilliance

同義詞
  • brightness

    the general word and less intense than 'brilliance'

  • radiance

    suggests warm or beautiful light spreading outward

  • glow

    usually softer and steadier, not as sharp or intense

  • splendour

    more literary and can include grandeur as well as brightness

反義詞

文法句型

the brilliance of + light source

colour brilliance

with brilliance

用法筆記

Mostly seen in descriptive or literary writing, especially with 'of' plus a light source, colour, or shining surface. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about remarkable intelligence or skill.

常見錯誤

❌The brilliances of the jewels filled the room.
✅The brilliance of the jewels filled the room.
💡this sense is normally uncountable.
❌We admired the brilliance from the red cloth.
✅We admired the brilliance of the red cloth.
💡'of' is the usual pattern when naming what shines.