This adjective can refer to a literal shining glow of light, or it can be more figurative. It can describe beaming happiness, for example, or a personality that radiates kindness. It comes from the Latin “fulgent,” meaning “shining.” “Effulgent” is a synonym that means exactly the same thing, except the Latin “effulgent” means “shining brightly.” The added prefix means “out,” giving an extra oomph to the shine.