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

Un Vieillard.Jeune fille au riant visage,Que cherches-tu sous cet ombrage?

From Project Gutenberg

Her bare arms and neck were as soft and firm as a baby's; her riant, un-English face seemed all aglow of color and mellow eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

She talked of her griefs in a plucky, riant way, making eternal fun of herself as a giddy fool.

From Project Gutenberg

Her hair was the real classic gold, and her grey eyes were riant with health and content.

From Project Gutenberg

Ces dames le regardant lui dirent en riant, 'Vous plaisantez, Monsieur; ce n'est pas vous qui etes Napoleon.'

From Project Gutenberg