What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irradiant
Example
The sun is an irradiant source of energy. [irradiant: adjective]
Example
She has an irradiant personality that brightens up the room. [irradiant: adjective]
Example
The fire was an irradiant source of warmth on the cold night. [irradiant: adjective]
radiant
Example
The radiant sun warmed our skin. [radiant: adjective]
Example
She looked radiant in her wedding dress. [radiant: adjective]
Example
The flowers were radiant in the sunlight. [radiant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Radiant is more commonly used than irradiant in everyday language. Radiant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while irradiant is less common and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irradiant and radiant?
Both irradiant and radiant can be used in formal and informal contexts, but irradiant may be more appropriate in technical or scientific writing due to its specific connotation.