éblouissant

Éblouissant is a French adjective meaning dazzling, blindingly bright, or stunning. It describes something that makes a striking impression through intense light, splendor, or extraordinary quality. The term can apply to visual brightness as well as to nonliteral brilliance, such as a remarkable performance or scenery. The masculine form is éblouissant, the feminine éblouissante; the plurals are éblouissants and éblouissantes.

Etymology and related forms: Éblouissant comes from the verb éblouir, meaning to dazzle or blind. The prefix é- adds intensity to a root related to “blouir,” and the noun éblouissement refers to the act or effect of dazzling.

Usage notes: Common collocations include lumière éblouissante (dazzling light), ciel éblouissant (dazzling sky), spectacle éblouissant (dazzling show), and talent éblouissant (dazzling talent). It is used for objects, scenes, performances, and people, often implying charisma or extraordinary visual impact as well as technical prowess.

Translations and nuance: In English, éblouissant is typically rendered as dazzling, blinding, stunning, or breathtaking, depending on context. The term tends to emphasize immediate, striking impact, whereas related words may convey subtler nuance.

See also: The verb éblouir (to dazzle or blind) and the noun éblouissement (the act or effect of dazzling).