What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
luminous
Example
The stars were luminous in the night sky. [luminous: adjective]
Example
The luminous glow of the fireflies lit up the garden. [luminous: adjective]
radiant
Example
The sun was radiant in the clear blue sky. [radiant: adjective]
Example
She looked radiant on her wedding day. [radiant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Radiant is more commonly used than luminous in everyday language. Radiant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while luminous is less common and has a more technical or scientific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between luminous and radiant?
Both luminous and radiant can be used in formal or informal contexts, but luminous may be more appropriate in technical or scientific writing, while radiant may be more appropriate in poetic or literary contexts.
