What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brightness
Example
The sun's brightness filled the room, making it feel warm and inviting. [brightness: noun]
Example
She turned up the brightness on her phone to see the screen better. [brightness: noun]
radiance
Example
The bride's radiance was evident as she walked down the aisle. [radiance: noun]
Example
The moon's radiance illuminated the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere. [radiance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brightness is more commonly used than radiance in everyday language. Brightness is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as describing the level of light or the intensity of a color. Radiance, on the other hand, is less common and is often used in more poetic or descriptive writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brightness and radiance?
Both brightness and radiance can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, radiance has a more poetic and expressive tone, which may make it more suitable for formal or literary writing.