magnificent

[ mag-nif-uh-suhnt ]

adjective

1. making a splendid appearance or show; of exceptional beauty, size, etc.:

   a magnificent cathedral; magnificent scenery.

   Synonyms: sublime, exquisite, opulent, sumptuous, majestic

   Antonyms: poor, modest

2. extraordinarily fine; superb:

   a magnificent opportunity; magnificent weather.

3. noble; sublime:

   a magnificent poem.

4. (usually initial capital letter) (formerly used as a title of some rulers) great; grand:

   Lorenzo the Magnificent.

5. lavishly munificent; extravagant:

   a magnificent inheritance.

magnificent

/ mæɡˈnɪfɪsənt /

adjective

1. splendid or impressive in appearance
2. superb or very fine
3. (esp of ideas) noble or elevated
4. archaic.
   great or exalted in rank or action

Derived Forms

• magˈnificentness, noun
• magˈnificently, adverb

Other Words From

• mag·nifi·cent·ly adverb
• mag·nifi·cent·ness noun
• super·mag·nifi·cent adjective
• super·mag·nifi·cent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnificent¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin magnificent-, stem of magnificentior “grander,” comparative of magnificus magnific

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnificent¹

C16: from Latin magnificentio more splendid; irregular comparative of magnificus great in deeds; see magnific

Synonym Study

Magnificent, gorgeous, splendid, superb are terms of high admiration and all are used informally in weak exaggeration. Something that is magnificent is beautiful, princely, grand, or ostentatious: a magnificent display of paintings; a magnificent view of the harbor. That which is gorgeous moves one to admiration by the richness and (often colorful) variety of its effects: a gorgeous array of handsome gifts. That which is splendid is dazzling or impressive in its brilliance, radiance, or excellence: splendid jewels; a splendid body of scholars. That which is superb is above others in, or is of the highest degree of, excellence, elegance, or (less often, today) grandeur: a superb concert; superb wines.

Example Sentences

The highs are most frequently supplied by the film’s magnificent musical numbers, which boast the stellar choreography typical of Chu’s work while highlighting the movie’s meticulous production design and practical set pieces.

From Salon

Rarely do I feel more alive than when I’m on top of one of Scotland's magnificent mountains.

From BBC

Set in motion by Ani Taj’s choreography, these performers flaunt their individuality like nothing could be more magnificent.

From Los Angeles Times

Gavin - whose tunnel-digging was described at the Old Bailey as "a magnificent piece of engineering" - Tucker and Stephen all pleaded guilty to entering the bank as a trespasser, stealing cash and jewellery and possessing explosives.

From BBC

“Retreat” is a film of few words and magnificent images, where the drama unfolds suggestively in hints and gestures, and in the pensive performances of Heiniger and Hottinger.

From New York Times

Related Words

• brilliant
• elegant
• excellent
• glittering
• gorgeous
• grand
• grandiose
• imposing
• impressive
• lavish
• lofty
• noble
• opulent
• outstanding
• palatial
• splendid
• stately
• striking
• sublime
• sumptuous