French word

brillant

Pronunciation

IPA/bʁijɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveexcellent

Example

Le spectacle était brillant.

The show was excellent.

Illustration for brillant (excellent)

More examples

C'est un élève brillant.

He is a brilliant student.

Core concept

A clear radiance marks someone or something as outstanding rather than ordinary.

Common phrases

  • esprit brillant

    brilliant mind

  • élève brillant

    brilliant student

  • coup brillant

    brilliant move

Similar words

génial: Exceptionally inventive or impressive, prompting admiration or surprise.
super: Very good and genuinely satisfying.
formidable: Strikingly powerful or impressive, with excellent quality or execution.
excellent: Exceptionally high in quality and exceeding expectations.

Definition in French

Excellent ou remarquable dans un domaine et qui attire l'admiration.

Word origin

The adjective brillant comes from briller, whose history passes through Old French brillier and ultimately connects with Latin beryllus, 'beryl'.

Usage tips

  • The feminine form is brillante, and its final written t is pronounced, unlike the silent t in masculine brillant.

Other meanings

  • shiningadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word