brilliant

/ˈbrɪliənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbrɪliənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbril-yənt/ (ame, mw)

brilliant — adjective

1. so good that it strongly impresses or pleases people.

1.形容詞A2
釋義

so good that it strongly impresses or pleases people.

例句

The goalkeeper made a brilliant save in the final minute.

brilliant + sporting action

We had a brilliant holiday near the sea last August.

brilliant + experience

同義詞
  • excellent

    slightly more formal and common in evaluations

  • great

    broader and more casual

  • outstanding

    suggests being better than others in the group

  • superb

    strong praise, often with a polished tone

反義詞

用法筆記

Common with performances, experiences, ideas, and results. Distinguish from sense 2 (INTELLIGENT): this sense gives broad praise, even when no clever thinking is involved.

常見錯誤

❌Our picnic was brilliantly.
✅Our picnic was brilliant.
💡use the adjective after 'be', not the adverb.
❌We had a very brilliant time.
✅We had a brilliant time.
💡'brilliant' is already strong enough on its own.

2. showing an unusually high level of intelligence or skill.

2.形容詞B1
釋義

showing an unusually high level of intelligence or skill.

例句

Aiko solved the last maths problem with a brilliant shortcut.

brilliant + clever solution

The whole class copied Bao's brilliant answer on the science quiz.

brilliant + answer

同義詞
  • clever

    everyday word for quick intelligence

  • gifted

    stresses natural ability

  • ingenious

    best for ideas or solutions that are cleverly designed

  • talented

    focuses more on skill, especially in arts or sport

反義詞
  • dim

    informal word for not quick in understanding

  • incompetent

    used when the problem is lack of skill rather than lack of intelligence

文法句型

brilliant at + subject/activity

用法筆記

Usually used when intelligence or skill is the reason for the praise. Distinguish from sense 1 (VERY GOOD), which can praise a show, trip, meal, or result without focusing on cleverness.

常見錯誤

❌Mika is brilliant in maths.
✅Mika is brilliant at maths.
💡after 'brilliant', use 'at' for a subject or skill area.
❌The teacher said my plan was very brilliant.
✅The teacher said my plan was brilliant.
💡'brilliant' is already a strong word, so 'very' often sounds unnatural.

3. sending out a lot of light, or showing a strong clear colour.

3.形容詞B1
釋義

sending out a lot of light, or showing a strong clear colour.

例句

The moon looked brilliant above the dark fishing boats.

brilliant + light source

Greta wore a brilliant orange coat on the grey winter street.

brilliant + vivid colour

同義詞
  • bright

    the most general word for strong light

  • dazzling

    suggests light so strong that it is hard to look at

  • vivid

    used mainly for colours rather than light

  • glittering

    stresses many small points of reflected light

反義詞
  • dim

    not giving much light

  • dull

    not bright in colour or shine

用法筆記

Most often used with nouns for light, colour, jewels, or the sky. Distinguish from sense 1 (VERY GOOD): here 'brilliant' describes what the eye sees, not how successful something is.

常見錯誤

❌She wore a brilliant black coat.
✅She wore a brilliant red coat.
💡this sense fits vivid colours or strong light, not dark shades.

brilliant — noun