Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
A ~ person, idea, or performance is extremely clever or skilful.
She had a ~ mind...
It was his ~ performance in ‘My Left Foot’ that established his reputation.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ly
It is a very high quality production, ~ly written and acted.
ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj
brilliance
He was a deeply serious musician who had shown his brilliance very early.
N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss
2.
You can say that something is ~ when you are very pleased about it or think that it is very good. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL, SPOKEN)
If you get a chance to see the show, do go–it’s ~...
My sister’s given me this ~ book.
= great
? awful
ADJ
~ly
It’s extremely hard working together but on the whole it works ~ly and we’re still good friends.
ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv
3.
A ~ career or success is very successful.
He served four years in prison, emerging to find his ~ career in ruins...
The raid was a ~ success.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ly
The strategy worked ~ly.
ADV
4.
A ~ colour is extremely bright.
...a ~ white open-necked shirt.
ADJ: ADJ n
~ly
Many of the patterns show ~ly coloured flowers.
ADV: ADV adj/-ed
brilliance
...an iridescent blue butterfly in all its brilliance.
N-UNCOUNT
5.
You describe light, or something that reflects light, as ~ when it shines very brightly.
The event was held in ~ sunshine...
ADJ
~ly
It’s a ~ly sunny morning.
ADV: ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v
brilliance
His eyes became accustomed to the dark after the brilliance of the sun outside.
N-UNCOUNT