What does "magnificent" mean?

1. (splendid appearance) extremely beautiful, grand, or impressive to look at. 2. (exceptional quality) extremely good or deserving of great praise.

How do you use "magnificent"?

Often modified by 'absolutely' or 'truly' for emphasis.

magnificent

US //mæɡˈnɪfəsənt// UK //mæɡnˈɪfɪsənt// mag·nif·i·cent

1 splendid appearance (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

extremely beautiful, grand, or impressive to look at.

possessing impressive beauty, grandeur, or scale in physical appearance.

Example

The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely magnificent.

Example

The cathedral's magnificent facade, adorned with intricate stone carvings, dominated the city's skyline for centuries.

Usage

Often modified by 'absolutely' or 'truly' for emphasis.
2 exceptional quality (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

extremely good or deserving of great praise.

exhibiting exceptional quality, skill, or merit within its category.

Example

The pianist gave a magnificent performance that the audience loved.

Example

The research team achieved a magnificent breakthrough, solving a mathematical problem that had remained unanswered for decades.
- poor
- mediocre

Origin

From Middle English magnificent, from Middle French magnificent, from Latin magnificentior, comparative of magnificus (“great in deeds or sentiment, noble, splendid, etc.”), from magnus (“great”) + -ficēns, a form of -ficiēns, the regular form, in compounds, of faciēns, a participle of facere (“to do”).