riant

adjective

ri·​ant ˈrī-ənt How to pronounce riant (audio)
ˈrē-;
rē-ˈäⁿ
literary
: cheerful, mirthful
… the character of the grounds in which the Abbey stood; which were riant and secluded, umbrageous, and full of the sound of falling waters.—John Stuart Mill
riantly
ˈrī-ənt-lē How to pronounce riant (audio)
ˈrē-
adverb

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, present participle of rire to laugh, from Latin ridēre

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riant was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near riant

Rialto

riant

riata

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Riant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riant. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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