What does glorious mean?
Glorious is an adjective meaning splendid, beautiful, or worthy of great admiration. It is often used for scenery and other things visually striking, as in “a glorious sunset,” and for victories, achievements, or historical periods that inspire pride and respect. The word can have a strongly positive, elevated tone, suggesting not merely good quality but something distinguished, memorable, or magnificent. In religious and historical writing, it may also describe heavenly splendor or a celebrated era. In everyday use, glorious often expresses enthusiastic approval, especially in informal speech such as “The weather is glorious.” The word is common in British and American English, although it tends to sound more literary or emphatic than neutral alternatives such as excellent or beautiful.
adjectiveHaving great beauty or splendor; worthy of great honor or admiration.
- Splendid or beautiful in appearance or quality.
- Worthy of great honor, admiration, or distinction.
- Characterized by great achievement, renown, or historical splendor.
"The mountains looked glorious in the evening light."
"The sunrise over the harbor was glorious."
"The team's glorious victory was celebrated throughout the country."
Glorious began with a simple idea: radiance so striking that it deserves to be remembered.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of glorious
Glorious comes through Middle English from Old French glorieus, an adjective derived from Latin gloriosus, itself based on gloria, meaning glory or splendor. The English word developed in the sense of splendid or illustrious, with religious and historical associations strengthening its tone of honor and majesty. Its relatives include glory, glorify, and glorification, all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How glorious is actually used
Glorious is generally formal or literary and often conveys admiration or a sense of elevated beauty. It is especially common in descriptions of scenery, achievements, victories, and memorable periods in history.
Easily confused with glorious
Glorious usually means splendid, noble, or worthy of admiration, whereas glamorous emphasizes attractive or exciting appeal.