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magnificence

 - 3 dictionary results

mag⋅nif⋅i⋅cence

  [mag-nif-uh-suhns]
Use magnificence in a Sentence
–noun
1. the quality or state of being magnificent; splendor; grandeur; sublimity: the magnificence of snow-covered mountains; the magnificence of his achievements.
2. impressiveness of surroundings: the magnificence of Versailles.
Origin:
1300–50; ME < L magnificentia, equiv. to magnificent- magnificent + -ia -y 3 ; see -ence

Synonyms:
1. majesty, nobility, stateliness. 2. luxuriousness, opulence, sumptuousness.

Antonyms:
2. squalor, poverty.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To magnificence
mag·nif·i·cence   (māg-nĭf'ĭ-səns)   
n.  

  1. Greatness or lavishness of surroundings; splendor.

  2. Grand or imposing beauty.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

magnificence 
1340, from O.Fr. magnificence "splendor, nobility, grandeur," from L. magnificentia "splendor, munificence," from stem of magnificus "noble, eminent, splendid," from magnus "great" (see magnate) + root of facere "to make" (see factitious). As one of the Aristotelian and scholastic virtues, translates Gk. megaloprepeia "liberality of expenditure combined with good taste."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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