What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brilliant
Example
She is a brilliant scientist who has made groundbreaking discoveries. [brilliant: adjective]
Example
The fireworks display was absolutely brilliant! [brilliant: adjective]
smart
Example
He is a smart student who always gets top grades. [smart: adjective]
Example
She wore a smart suit to the job interview. [smart: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smart is more commonly used than brilliant in everyday language. Smart is a versatile word that can be used to describe both people and things, while brilliant is less common and is usually reserved for exceptional cases.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brilliant and smart?
While brilliant is often associated with a more formal or academic tone, smart can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Smart is a more versatile word that can describe intelligence, cleverness, or even stylishness.
