brilliance

Everyday

1. Brilliance is great cleverness or talent: «the brilliance of the scientist». tree →
2. Brilliance is very bright light or shine: «the brilliance of the stars». tree →
3. Brilliance is the quality of being excellent or impressive: «a moment of brilliance in the match». tree →

In the lessons

In stories and sports reports «brilliance» praises a clever idea, a skilful goal or an amazing performance. In science it can describe how bright a light, star or colour is. Phrases: a flash of brilliance, a moment of brilliance, sheer brilliance.

Examples

• Everyone admired the brilliance of her idea. tree →
• The brilliance of the sun made us squint. tree →
• The winning goal was a moment of pure brilliance. tree →
• Einstein's brilliance changed science. tree →
• The diamond sparkled with brilliance. tree →
• It was sheer brilliance to bring an umbrella today. tree →
• She looked up in surprise at the dazzling brilliance that streamed through the hole; then gave a sigh which seemed to come from her heart. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «her brilliance», not «a brilliance» (except «a brilliance of colour», rare). Adjective «brilliant», adverb «brilliantly». Spelled with «-ance», not «-ence».