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Brilliant vs Imbecile - What's the difference?

brilliant | imbecile |

As adjectives the difference between brilliant and imbecile

is that brilliant is shining brightly while imbecile is (dated) destitute of strength, whether of body or mind; feeble; impotent; especially, mentally weak.

As nouns the difference between brilliant and imbecile

is that brilliant is a finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, having many facets while imbecile is (obsolete) a person with limited (l) (l) who can perform (l) and think only like a young child, in medical circles meaning a person who lacks the capacity to develop beyond the mental age of a normal five to seven-year-old child.

brilliant

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Shining brightly.
    • the brilliant lights along the promenade
  • (of a colour) Both bright and saturated.
    • butterflies with brilliant blue wings
  • (of a voice or sound) having a sharp, clear tone
  • Of surpassing excellence.
    • The actor's performance in the play was simply brilliant .
  • Magnificent or wonderful.
  • Highly intelligent.
    • She is a brilliant scientist.

    Synonyms

    * (shining brightly) glittering, shining * * * (surpassing excellence) excellent, distinctive, striking, superb (obsolete except in UK usage) * (magnificent or wonderful) exceptional, glorious, magnificent, marvellous/marvelous, splendid, wonderful (obsolete except in UK usage) * (highly intelligent) brainy, ingenious * See also

    Related terms

    * brilliance * brilliantine * brilliantness

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, having many facets.
  • * Alexander Pope
    • This snuffbox — on the hinge see brilliants shine.
  • * 1891 , Arthur Conan Doyle, A Case of Identity
    • “And the ring?” I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which sparkled upon his finger.
  • (printing) A small size of type.
  • A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.

    • External links

    * * * ----

    imbecile

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (obsolete) A person with limited (l) (l) who can perform (l) and think only like a young child, in medical circles meaning a person who lacks the capacity to develop beyond the mental age of a normal five to seven-year-old child.
  • (pejorative) A .

    • Usage notes

    * In modern times, “imbecile” is often used in (l) (l).

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * imbecilic (adjective) * imbecility (noun)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (dated) Destitute of strength, whether of body or mind; feeble; impotent; especially, mentally weak.
    • hospitals for the imbecile and insane