— magnificently , adv. — magnificentness , n.
/mag nif"euh seuhnt/ , adj.
1. making a splendid appearance or show; of exceptional beauty, size, etc.: a magnificent cathedral; magnificent scenery.
2. extraordinarily fine; superb: a magnificent opportunity; magnificent weather.
3. noble; sublime: a magnificent poem.
4. ( usually cap. ) (formerly used as a title of some rulers) great; grand: Lorenzo the Magnificent.
5. lavishly munificent; extravagant: a magnificent inheritance.
[ 1425-75; late ME magnificent- (s. recorded in comp., superl., and other forms) for magnificus. See MAGNIFIC, -ENT ]
Syn. 1. majestic, sumptuous, opulent; exquisite, sublime. MAGNIFICENT, GORGEOUS, SPLENDID, SUPERB are terms of high admiration and all are used informally in weak exaggeration. Something that is MAGNIFICENT is beautiful, princely, grand, or ostentatious: a magnificent display of paintings; a magnificent view of the harbor.
That which is GORGEOUS moves one to admiration by the richness and (often colorful) variety of its effects: a gorgeous array of handsome gifts. That which is SPLENDID is dazzling or impressive in its brilliance, radiance, or excellence: splendid jewels; a splendid body of scholars. That which is SUPERB is above others in, or is of the highest degree of, excellence, elegance, or (less often, today) grandeur: a superb concert; superb wines.
Ant. 1. modest; poor.