riant

[ rahy-uhnt, ree-; French ryahn ]

adjective

1. laughing; smiling; cheerful:

   She exuded good humor, with her riant brown eyes, curly, flyaway hair, and madcap grin.

riant

/ ˈraɪənt /

adjective

1. rare.
   laughing; smiling; cheerful

Derived Forms

• ˈriantly, adverb

Other Words From

• riant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of riant¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from French, “smiling, laughing,” adjective use of present participle of rire “to laugh,” from Latin rīdēre; rident ( def ), -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of riant¹

C16: from French, from rire to laugh, from Latin rīdēre

Example Sentences

The baby-care division Mr. Riant oversaw has been one of P&G’s better performers.

From Wall Street Journal

P&G said in its latest proxy filing that Mr. Riant received a larger annual incentive award than Mr. Taylor for its recently ended fiscal year because the baby-care division’s results were slightly above the company’s internal target, while the other businesses in his group met their targets.

From Wall Street Journal

Mr. Riant’s total compensation package was valued at $6.9 million in the year to June 2015, making him the company’s fourth highest paid executive.

From Wall Street Journal

PG -0.26 % said Martin Riant, a senior executive who oversees some of its biggest brands including Pampers, Bounty and Always, is retiring after more than 35 years at the consumer goods giant.

From Wall Street Journal

Mr. Riant has been group president of P&G’s global baby, feminine and family care business, which generates more than a quarter of the company’s total sales and profit.

From Wall Street Journal