lodestar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lodestar" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a guiding principle or a source of inspiration, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In times of uncertainty, her unwavering integrity served as a lodestar for the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Artaud's language – semi-coherent, as though he were inventing it from scratch – his alienation from society (from the human race even), his savage portraits, more like the bloodied ghosts of Banquo and his successors, and, perhaps most of all, the indeterminate sex of the figures he scratched on to paper, became her lodestar.

The Guardian - Arts

That's my lodestar.

The Guardian

The lodestar by which the free world has navigated since the late 1940s, the containment of Russia and of communism, is becoming obsolescent, because of that policy's very success.

The Economist

NOWHERE in Africa is modern China more of a lodestar than in Ethiopia, which on May 24th held an uneventful election with a predetermined outcome: another term in office for the long-standing ruling party.

The Economist

The accounting firms' lodestar is Arthur Andersen, which split its consulting and accounting businesses in the late 1980s.

The Economist

"Overall material well-being" should be our lodestar, the Cato report reads, and an individual's lifetime level of consumption is a better proxy for material well-being than how much money he makes in a given year.

The Economist

With that kind of treatment to be expected at the hands of mainstream Western audiences, it can be little wonder that a dazzling lodestar on the international animation scene is fading away.

The Economist

Mr Updike's lodestar was Stendhal's definition of a novel as "a mirror that strolls along the highway", taking in both the "blue of the skies" and "the mud puddles underfoot".

The Economist

For over a decade Labour's fiscal rules, first set out by Gordon Brown when he became chancellor of the exchequer in 1997, had been the supposed lodestar for budgetary policy.

The Economist

Dig deeper: An extremist takeover exposes the flaw at the heart of Africa's lodestar nation (Oct 2014) To make it big in Africa, a business must succeed in Nigeria (Aug 2014) Revised figures show that Nigeria is Africa's biggest economy (April 2014).

The Economist

Europa, for all her woes, may offer better protection than lovely Milda.For Valdis Dombrovskis, the prime minister, the euro has been a lodestar through years of crisis.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lodestar" to emphasize a fixed, reliable point of reference or a guiding principle in complex or uncertain situations. It adds a touch of literary flair to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lodestar" in contexts where a simple 'guide' or 'inspiration' suffices. "Lodestar" implies a more profound and unwavering influence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lodestar" is a noun, often used metaphorically to represent a guiding principle, ideal, or source of inspiration. Ludwig showcases it functioning as a central element in various sentences, directing actions or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lodestar" functions as a noun that signifies a guiding principle or source of inspiration. It's grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in News & Media contexts. Alternatives include "guiding light" or "north star". "Lodestar" is best used when emphasizing a fixed, reliable point of reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is used correctly in written English, serving as a guiding principle and inspiration in a metaphorical sense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding light

Emphasizes the illuminating and guiding aspect, often used metaphorically for principles or people.

north star

Specifically refers to a fixed point for navigation, representing a constant and reliable guide.

beacon of hope

Highlights the inspirational and aspirational nature of a guiding force.

leading example

Focuses on the role model aspect, where someone's actions set a standard for others.

moral compass

Specifically relates to ethical guidance and principles.

central tenet

Emphasizes a core belief or principle that guides actions and decisions.

key principle

Highlights the importance of a foundational rule or guideline.

prime motivator

Focuses on the driving force behind actions and decisions.

ultimate goal

Emphasizes the final objective that guides all efforts.

chief inspiration

Highlights the source of creativity and motivation.

FAQs

How can I use "lodestar" in a sentence?

You can use "lodestar" to refer to a guiding principle or source of inspiration. For example: "Integrity served as her "lodestar" during the crisis."

What can I say instead of "lodestar"?

You can use alternatives like "guiding light", "north star", or "moral compass" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lodestar" or "loadstar"?

"Lodestar" is the correct term for a guiding star or principle. "Loadstar" is an archaic variant and less commonly used.

What is the difference between "lodestar" and "guiding principle"?

"Lodestar" often implies a more constant and unwavering source of guidance, whereas "guiding principle" is a more general term for any rule or belief that influences behavior.