Splendid: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：excellent (splendid)

splendid 🔊

/ˈsplendɪd/

adj.

Something that is very, very good, beautiful, or impressive.

Splendid definition illustrated by a person amazed at a breathtaking sunset over the ocean.

excellent 🔊

➕

/ˈeksələnt/

adj.

Used to describe something of exceptionally high quality, beauty, or impressiveness.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'splendēre' (to shine), via French.

💡 Mnemonic

Splendid sounds like 'splend-id' (spend a splendid day). Think of something so brilliant it shines.

📖 Example

We had a splendid day at the beach with perfect weather and clear blue water. 🔊 We experienced an excellent day at the beach with perfect weather and clear blue water.

🔗 Collocations

splendid idea – An excellent or very good idea.

splendid isolation – A situation where someone or something is deliberately kept apart from others, often used historically.

splendid view – A breathtakingly beautiful scene or panorama.

🔄 Synonyms

magnificent (adj.) – Impressively beautiful, elaborate, or grand.

superb (adj.) – Of excellent quality; splendid.

gorgeous (adj.) – Beautiful; very attractive.

🚫 Antonyms

dreadful (adj.) – Causing great fear or suffering; very bad.

mediocre (adj.) – Of only moderate quality; not very good.

unimpressive (adj.) – Not inspiring respect or admiration.

🌱 Derivatives

splendidly (adv.) – In an excellent or magnificent manner.

splendour (n.) – Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally meaning 'shining, brilliant' from Latin, its sense evolved to describe abstract excellence. It became popular in 17th-century English to praise things of outstanding beauty or quality, often used in formal or literary contexts.