aura

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aura" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround a person, place, or thing. Example: "The old mansion had an eerie aura that made visitors feel uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Kennedy aura remains a factor in US politics, even when there is no Kennedy on the ballot paper.

The Guardian

It's not a big budget film, and there is an aura of playful experimentation that seems to be sustaining the cast through the mud-spattered adversity.

The Guardian - Film

So I wanted to show in this film how being white in Africa gives you a special status, almost a kind of magical aura.

The Guardian - Film

His team-mate Marco Höger agreed: "The moment he comes into the dressing room with his calmness and his aura, everyone knows who's the boss.

The Guardian - Sport

The fascination he holds is that this aura appears to be both natural and spontaneous.

The Guardian - Film

Celebrated in song by the likes of Georges Brassens and Yves Duteil, who both lamented its stern and gloomy walls, as well as a backdrop in countless French gangster movies, La Santé has always had a mythic aura for Parisians.

The Guardian

Silver hair and sharp suits have replaced the fresh faces and Soviet tailoring of 1984 but there was no mistaking the aura surrounding two of the world's greatest chess players, Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, as they prepared for an historic rematch today.

The Guardian - Sport

These are well marked, but still sufficiently rustic to allow you to forget the "Rodeo Drive on a hill" that is the increasingly Americanised Positano or the rarefied "Glyndbourne interval picnic" aura of Ravello.

The Guardian - Travel

Now there was one more query, one farewell dig, about his team's "aura" – or lack of it, as Strauss had observed earlier – and it brought out the mongrel in him.

The Guardian - Sport

Dostoevsky's troubled modern novels mirror the aura of passionate intensity Snowden projects.

The Guardian

It is probably this aura of laid-back confidence that enabled an energetic Robbie Williams to treat guests to an impromptu performance in the piano lounge without causing too much hysteria.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aura" to suggest an intangible yet perceptible quality surrounding something, like "the aura of mystery surrounding the old house". Ensure the context supports the nuance of a distinctive atmosphere or emanation.

Common error

Avoid using "aura" when describing direct, measurable qualities. Instead of saying "the company had an aura of high profits", specify "the company projected an image of financial success" or "the company had a history of high profits".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "aura" is as a noun, often used to describe an intangible quality or atmosphere surrounding a person, place, or thing. As Ludwig AI states, "aura" refers to a distinctive atmosphere associated with something. Examples show it describing the atmosphere of a city or a person's influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "aura" is a noun commonly used to describe a distinctive atmosphere or quality surrounding something, according to Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and finds frequent use in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When writing, use "aura" to convey an intangible yet perceptible quality, distinguishing it from concrete attributes. Related phrases include "atmosphere" and "ambiance". Ludwig examples highlight its usage in evoking subjective perception. It should be used in contexts where such subjective perception is adequate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atmosphere

Refers to the general mood or feeling created by a place, person, or thing; less mystical than "aura".

ambiance

Similar to atmosphere, denoting the character and feeling of a place; lacks the sense of personal emanation.

feeling

A subjective experience of emotion or sensation; less specific than "aura".

air

The pervading impression given by someone or something; simpler and more direct than "aura".

essence

The intrinsic nature or quality of something; focuses on the core characteristics rather than the surrounding atmosphere.

quality

A distinctive attribute or characteristic; more general than "aura".

impression

The effect produced on the mind or senses; focuses on the perceiver rather than the object itself.

halo

A figurative glow of light, often suggesting holiness or goodness; more specific in connotation than "aura".

nimbus

A luminous cloud or halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint; carries stronger religious undertones.

cachet

The state of being respected or admired; typically associated with prestige or status.

FAQs

How can I use "aura" in a sentence?

You can use "aura" to describe a distinctive atmosphere or quality that surrounds a person, place, or thing. For example, "The restaurant had a romantic aura" or "The leader had an aura of confidence."

What's the difference between "aura" and "atmosphere"?

"Aura" suggests a subtle emanation or quality that surrounds something, often intangible or perceived subjectively. "Atmosphere" is a more general term for the overall feeling or mood of a place or situation. "Aura" is more specific and implies a unique, almost ethereal quality.

What can I say instead of "aura"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "atmosphere", "ambiance", "air", or "essence". Choose the word that best captures the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone has a "good aura" or a "bad aura"?

Yes, it is common to describe someone's "aura" as "good" or "bad" to indicate a positive or negative feeling or impression they give off. This suggests a sense of their overall energy or presence. The suitability of this expression depends on the register and if it's adequate for the audience and the context.