brilliant

brilliant · adjective, noun, verb¹

1. Proto-Dravidian*weḷ
2. Proto-Dravidian*ūr
3. Proto-Dravidian*weḷ-ūr
4. Proto-Indo-Iranian*i-
5. Prakritवेरुलिअ (vērulia)
6. Ancient Greekβήρυλλος (bḗrullos)
7. Latinbēryllus
8. Italianbrillare
9. Frenchbriller
10. Frenchbrillant
11. English todaybrilliant

Borrowed from French brillant (late 17th century), present participle of the verb briller, from Italian brillare, possibly from Latin berillus, beryllus (“a beryl, gem, eyeglass”), from Ancient Greek βήρυλλος (bḗrullos, “beryl”). By surface analysis, French brill(er) + -i- + -ant.

Brilliant · proper noun²

Originally known as Philipsburgh. It changed its name after the Brilliant Glass Company was established and built a glass factory in the town.

Brilliant · proper noun³

Named after the Brilliant Coal Company.

Brilliant · proper noun⁴

Named by Peter Verigin (1859–1924) in 1908.

Brilliant · proper noun⁵

Unknown. Originally known as Swastika and was renamed after the symbol was adopted by the Nazis.

Words from the same roots