splendor
/ˈsplen-dər/ (ame, mw)
splendor — noun
1. a state or character of being extremely beautiful, impressive, or grand in a way
a state or character of being extremely beautiful, impressive, or grand in a way that draws admiration and attention from others
The royal palace was restored to its former splendor after ten years of careful work.
restored to its former splendor
Tourists come from all over the world to see the splendor of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
the splendor of [place]
The wedding ceremony took place with great splendor in a 12th-century cathedral.
Amina could not believe the splendor of the autumn forest with its red and gold leaves.
- magnificence
very close in meaning; slightly more formal and often used for buildings or ceremonies
- grandeur
emphasizes large scale and stately impressiveness
- majesty
suggests a noble, awe-inspiring quality often associated with nature or royalty
文法句型
in all its/their splendor
former/great/full splendor
用法筆記
Frequently used with possessive adjectives (its former splendor, her full splendor) and in fixed phrases like 'in all its splendor.' Usually uncountable; not used in the plural for this sense.
常見錯誤
2. the quality of shining with a very bright, clear light or having a strong, attra
the quality of shining with a very bright, clear light or having a strong, attractive luster
The splendor of the diamond necklace caught everyone's attention at the party.
splendor of the diamond — luster of jewels
Kenji watched the splendor of the fireworks reflected in the calm lake below.
The gold crown shone with such splendor that it seemed to give off its own light.
Sofia loved the splendor of the northern lights as they danced across the winter sky.
- brilliance
more common for describing intense light; can also mean exceptional intelligence
- radiance
suggests warm, glowing light emitted from a source
- luster
specifically about the shiny surface of materials like metal, silk, or gems
文法句型
the splendor of [light source / reflective surface]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense focuses specifically on physical brightness or luster (light, jewels, polished surfaces), not on overall grand beauty. Descriptive of a light source or a reflective surface.
常見錯誤
3. the attractive or impressive qualities and features that a particular place, bui
the attractive or impressive qualities and features that a particular place, building, culture, or experience has to offer
The travel guide listed the many splendors of the old city, including its temples, markets, and gardens.
the many splendors of [place] — countable in plural
Diego spent the whole afternoon exploring the natural splendors of the coral reef.
natural splendors
The book describes the architectural splendors of Rome from the Colosseum to St. Peter's Basilica.
Mei's favorite memory was discovering the hidden splendors of the small coastal town.
- wonders
implies things that cause surprise or amazement; more informal
- glories
suggests prestigious or celebrated features; often with historical or religious associations
- attractions
more general; can include man-made and natural points of interest
文法句型
the splendors of [place/experience]
natural/architectural/cultural splendors
用法筆記
This sense is countable and most often appears in the plural (splendors). Common with 'of' to specify the place: the splendors of Paris / the splendors of the forest. The plural refers to enumerable beautiful features, whereas sense 1 uses the singular uncountable form to describe an abstract quality of magnificence.