Cool MateBrilliant vs Remarkable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Brilliant
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
Remarkable
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Most common: Brilliant
| Brilliant | Remarkable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈbrɪliənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈbrɪliənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːkəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrkəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Very bright or smart. | Very special or unusual, worth noticing. |
| Example | That was a brilliant performance by the actor. | The scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | be, look, just, really, truly, at, be, look, just, really, truly, at, be, look, just, really, truly, at | be, seem, absolutely, just, most, for |
| Antonyms | dull, dim, stupid | ordinary, unremarkable, mundane |
| Common mistakes | 'Brilliant' is often confused with 'good' – 'brilliant' conveys a much stronger positive meaning., Some learners use 'brilliant' as a verb instead of an adjective., Mixing it up with 'brilliance', which is a noun. | Confused with 'remarkable' and 'notable', which have subtle differences in connotation., Using 'remarkable' in a negative context, which doesn't fit its positive meaning., Overusing it; it can sound exaggerated if used too frequently. |
| Usage notes | Use 'brilliant' to describe something very intelligent or something that shines brightly. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts but may sound overly grand in casual situations. | Use 'remarkable' to describe something that is impressive, surprising, or extraordinary. It is neutral in tone, so it can be used in most contexts, including both spoken and written language. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler terms may suffice. |
Frequently asked questions: Brilliant vs Remarkable
What's the difference between Brilliant and Remarkable?
Brilliant: Very bright or smart. Remarkable: Very special or unusual, worth noticing.
Which is more common: Brilliant and Remarkable?
Brilliant is the most common in everyday English.
Are Brilliant and Remarkable the same CEFR level?
Brilliant: A2, Remarkable: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Brilliant and Remarkable interchangeably?
Not always. Brilliant and Remarkable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.