rayonnement

radiance, radiation

noun reh-yon-MAHN Rare

Origin: from rayonner, to radiate

Also means

influence, reach

Usage Note

Rayonnement has two main registers: a scientific one (electromagnetic radiation, nuclear radiation) and a figurative one describing cultural or intellectual influence ('le rayonnement culturel de la France'). The verb rayonner and noun rayon (ray, beam) share the root. In official French discourse 'rayonnement' is a prestige term for soft power.

Examples

"Le rayonnement de cette ville est mondial."

Natural Translation

This city's influence is worldwide.

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