[splen.did] adj [L splendidus, fr. splendere to shine; perh. akin to MIr lainn bright] (1634) 1: possessing or displaying splendor: as a: shining, brilliant b: marked by showy magnificence
2: illustrious, grand 3 a: excellent "a ~ opportunity" b: being out of the ordinary: singular -- splen.did.ly adv -- splen.did.ness n syn splendid, resplendent, gorgeous, glorious, sublime, superb mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive. splendid implies outshining the usual or customary "the wedding was a splendid occasion". resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor "resplendent in her jewelry". gorgeous implies a rich splendor esp. in display of color "a gorgeous red dress". glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction "a glorious sunset". sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension "a vision of sublime beauty". superb suggests a magnificence or excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree "her singing was superb".