What does "splendid" mean?

1. (excellent or very good) extremely good, impressive, or satisfying. 2. (beautiful or grand) very beautiful, grand, or expensive-looking. 3. (bright or shining) very bright and impressive to look at.

How do you use "splendid"?

Commonly used in British English to express polite but high praise.

splendid

adj.

US //ˈspɫɛndɪd// UK //splˈɛndɪd// splen·did

1 excellent or very good (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate British English

extremely good, impressive, or satisfying.

excellent, brilliant, or of a very high standard. Often used to express enthusiastic approval.

Example

We had a splendid time at the garden party last Saturday.

Example

The team's performance was truly splendid, demonstrating a level of technical skill that far exceeded the expectations of the critics.

Usage

Commonly used in British English to express polite but high praise.
- terrible
- awful
2 beautiful or grand (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

very beautiful, grand, or expensive-looking.

possessing or displaying splendour; magnificent or sumptuous in appearance.

Example

The palace was filled with splendid furniture and gold decorations.

Example

The cathedral's splendid architecture attracted thousands of visitors, all eager to witness the intricate stone carvings and stained glass.
- plain
- shabby

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3 bright or shining (adj.)
C1 Advanced Literary

very bright and impressive to look at.

shining or very bright; characterized by brilliant light.

Example

The morning sun provided a splendid light for the photographers.

Example

The crown jewels were displayed under a splendid array of spotlights that highlighted every facet of the diamonds.
- dim
- dull

Origin

From Latin splendidus, from splendere (“to shine”) + -idus (“adjective forming suffix”).