How Do You Spell LAMBENT?

Pronunciation: [lˈambənt] (IPA)

The word "lambent" is spelled with a silent "b" and pronounced as /ˈlæmbənt/. It describes a light, flame or glow that flickers softly - or more generally, something that is expressive or eloquent. The word originates from the Latin "lambere," meaning "to lick." It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, and its usage has continued for centuries. Remembering the silent "b" in "lambent" can be tricky, but practicing the correct pronunciation can help it stick.

LAMBENT Meaning and Definition

  1. Lambent is an adjective that describes a gentle, soft, or flickering light or glow, typically characterized by a radiant or shimmering quality. It is derived from the Latin word "lambere," meaning "to lick." This imagery captures the essence of the word, as lambent light appears to caress or gently lick the surface it touches.

    In a more extended sense, lambent can also describe a gentle or graceful play of light or color on a surface, such as the lambent hues of a sunset over a tranquil lake. This usage suggests a serene or ethereal quality, conveying a sense of subtle and alluring beauty.

    The term is frequently employed in literature and poetry to evoke an evanescent or otherworldly atmosphere. It is commonly associated with descriptions of moonlight, candlelight, or the soft glow of a fire. Furthermore, lambent can be used metaphorically to characterize a delicate or graceful style of writing, painting, or music, in which the artist skillfully suffuses their work with a subtle and shimmering brilliance.

    Overall, lambent encompasses the concept of gentle luminosity. It conjures imagery of soft, undulating light that hints at both elegance and tranquility, thus providing a vivid and evocative description for various forms of aesthetically pleasing and subtly radiant phenomena.

  2. Playing about like flames; touching lightly; gliding over.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LAMBENT

Etymology of LAMBENT

The word "lambent" is derived from the Latin verb "lambere", which means "to lick". In Latin, "lambens" is the present participle form of the verb, indicating an action in progress. The word was later adopted into English in the 17th century, maintaining its original meaning of "licking" or "playing with the tongue". Over time, "lambent" evolved to describe a gentle, flickering light or a soft, radiant glow.

Similar spelling word for LAMBENT

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