All these words refer most specifically to the intense, steady light emitted from a source, rather than to wavering or reflected light. Bright is the most general of these, stressing chiefly the intensity of the light: the bright stars. It is more useful than the other words as a comparative: the brighter of the two neon signs. In its very generality, bright permits reference to wavering or reflected light, but only to emphasize intensity: a bright , cheerful fire; sun-bright ripples. Brilliant lends itself to the same uses as bright , but suggests even greater intensity: brilliant head-lights. Brilliant can have a lyrical quality absent in the more matter-of-fact bright , and consequently it can imply excellence or beauty: the brilliant , cloudless day.

Incandescent suggests light created specifically by combustion, and it may or may not carry overtones of emitted warmth as well as light. Incandescent may simply refer technically to a white-hot light: an incandescent lamp. In other uses it suggests fierceness or intense whiteness rather than the excellence or beauty of brilliant : the incandescent glare of the street lights.

Resplendent is in every way an intensification of brilliant; though more formal, it is even more lyrical, stressing vivid brightness and dazzling splendour: the resplendent sun; a sky resplendent with stars. Resplendent can refer to sources of reflected light as well, but with the same lyrical force and implication of lustre, bedecked with diamonds and resplendent in her jewelled gown.

Effulgent is like resplendent in lyricism and formality except that it is more precisely restricted to sources of light. Also, its extreme formality may make its use seem inflated or pretentious: effulgent rays streaming through the thunderhead.

While far less formal than resplendent or effulgent , shining as an adjective has been so overworked when used with lyrical intent that it may now strike one as a cliché in most contexts: a knight in shining armour. Shining may escape this liability when it is merely descriptive: the shining beacon far out at sea. Used in such a way, it contrasts with all the foregoing words by describing light that need not necessarily be intense. Glowing and radiant , similarly, do not emphasize intensity. Glowing suggests a slow burning or the last stage of burning; it implies warmth as well, but faintness of both light and warmth may be the point of its use: the glowing remains of a fire. Radiant suggests the emission of light in all directions; it carries a unique connotation of mild, gentle warmth: a radiant spring day, so unlike those of incandescent summer. Beaming refers specifically to light sent out in long arms, either stationary or sweeping: the beaming searchlight.

All these words can refer figuratively to qualities of personality, intelligence or passion. Indeed, their metaphorical use has been extensive in describing all that is good or desirable in human nature ?perhaps a comment on the high value man has continued to place on light. In brief, bright refers to intelligence, but more as potential than as accomplishment: a bright student. Brilliant goes beyond bright to indicate great intellect or talent. It may also refer to a highly admired accomplishment or illustrious achievement: a brilliant novel. Resplendent may suggest the blaze and brilliance of triumph or majesty: soldiers resplendent in victory. Effulgent may describe something that seems to radiate outwards like light: her effulgent loveliness. Glowing suggests their satisfaction ?or a being possessed by calmer, gentler feelings: eyes glowing with desire; a face radiant with tenderness. Beaming suggests pleasure or self-satisfaction, while shining in most of its figurative uses is decidedly trite.