Glorious vs. Splendid: Two Words That Shine

While both "glorious" and "splendid" describe something impressive and wonderful, there's a subtle difference in how they're used. "Glorious" often implies a sense of magnificence, triumph, or beauty that inspires awe and admiration; it often suggests something grand or majestic. "Splendid," on the other hand, suggests something dazzling and impressive, often in a more refined or elegant way; it can describe something bright, vibrant, or excellent.

Think of it this way: a glorious sunset might be one that fills the sky with vibrant colors and inspires a sense of wonder, while a splendid diamond might be one that sparkles with brilliance and is clearly of high quality. The difference is subtle but noticeable.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference:

  • Glorious:
    • "We had a glorious summer holiday." (We had a wonderful and memorable summer holiday.)
    • "The team celebrated their glorious victory." (The team celebrated their impressive and triumphant win.)
  • Splendid:
    • "She wore a splendid gown to the ball." (She wore a dazzling and beautiful dress to the ball.)
    • "The hotel had splendid views of the ocean." (The hotel had impressive and amazing views of the ocean.)

Notice how "glorious" often relates to a more profound or emotionally impactful experience, whereas "splendid" emphasizes the outward beauty or excellence. The context in which you use the word is key to choosing between them.

Happy learning!

Learn English with Images

With over 120,000 photos and illustrations