bright
Giving out strong light; also clever or cheerful.
Word facts
Definition
Bright means giving out or reflecting a lot of light. It also describes someone who is clever and quick to learn, or something cheerful and vivid.
Usage: Bright applies to both light and intelligence. Brilliant is stronger for both light and cleverness. Radiant emphasises the quality of warmth or joy in the glow.
Example sentences
- 1
The sun was so bright that she had to shield her eyes.
- 2
He was a bright student who grasped new ideas quickly.
- 3
She wore a bright yellow jacket that stood out in the crowd.
Word family
From Old English beorht ('shining, luminous, beautiful'). One of the oldest words in English, used for over a thousand years.
Bright contains 'right' — a bright idea is the right idea found quickly.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
Can bright describe a person's personality?
Yes. A bright person is clever. A bright mood or bright smile means cheerful and positive.
What is the adverb form of bright?
The adverb is brightly. Example: The stars shone brightly overhead.