Word
brilliance
Phoneticsbril·liance, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɹɪɫjəns/
UK/bɹˈɪliːəns/
Definitions
01intelligence
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. great intelligence or amazing skill at doing something.
n. exceptional mental ability, intellectual power, or creative talent.
“The young scientist was famous for her brilliance in solving difficult math problems.”
“The critics praised the sheer brilliance of the director's vision, noting how she managed to modernize a classic play without losing its original heart.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the abstract quality of intelligence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02brightness
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the quality of being very bright and full of light.
n. the state or quality of being exceptionally radiant or effulgent.
“The brilliance of the morning sun made it hard to see without sunglasses.”
“The diamond was cut to maximize its brilliance, reflecting every beam of light that entered the showroom.”
Usage
Uncountable in most contexts describing light intensity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03magnificence
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun British English · Literary
n. the quality of being impressive, beautiful, or grand.
n. the quality of being magnificent, resplendent, or impressively grand in appearance or execution.
“We were amazed by the brilliance of the royal palace during the festival.”
“The historical drama successfully captured the brilliance of the 18th-century court, from the gold-leaf architecture to the intricate silk costumes.”
Teaching tip
In British English, this sense is often used to describe something that is 'brilliant' (excellent), though it remains a formal or literary choice.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“South Africa needed patience against Nigeria until a moment of brilliance from Ronnel Donnelly sent Hildah Magaia through to square the ball for Thembi Kgatlana to score in the 56th.” “Before Toño has time to digest the musician’s brilliance, he learns of his sudden death.” “This helps explain how the material can retain its brilliance for centuries.” Etymology
From brilliant + -ance. Compare French brillance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/brilliance