magnificence

[ mag-nif-uh-suhns ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being magnificent; splendor; grandeur; sublimity:

   the magnificence of snow-covered mountains; the magnificence of his achievements.

   Synonyms: stateliness, nobility, majesty

2. impressiveness of surroundings:

   the magnificence of Versailles.

   Synonyms: sumptuousness, luxuriousness, opulence

   Antonyms: poverty, squalor

magnificence

/ mæɡˈnɪfɪsəns /

noun

1. the quality of being magnificent

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnificence¹

1300–50; Middle English < Latin magnificentia, equivalent to magnificent- magnificent + -ia -y ³; -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnificence¹

C14: via French from Latin magnificentia

Example Sentences

Zehme captures the magnificence of Carson the performer, the quintessential showman, who knew exactly what his audiences wanted, where the boundaries were and how to push them ever so lightly.

From Los Angeles Times

French's magnificence comes in many forms.

From BBC

And many people open to watching opera but also intimidated by the old-age magnificence of an opera house might be more comfortable starting their journey in a theater free of elitist connotations.

From Salon

Whether they succeeded is up to the viewer, but there are moments of unexpected beauty — even magnificence — in the visuals.

From Los Angeles Times

With royal authority now disintegrating under the latter's mentally unstable son Charles VI, the ambitious Philip sought not only to rule his appanage as an effectively independent duke, but also to outshine all other fiefdoms in power, riches, and magnificence.

From Salon

Related Words

• elegance
• greatness
• richness
• splendor