luminary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "luminary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who inspires or influences others, especially in a particular field or area of expertise. Example: "As a luminary in the field of science, her groundbreaking research has inspired countless young scientists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It agreed with almost all of Sir Rod's recommendations, as well as with those of Sir Nicholas Stern, another luminary enjoined by Mr Brown to think great thoughts, this time about the likely economic effects of climate change.

The Economist

A luminary from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy was "saddened" by all the former president's historical errors.Since some of these critics are what some would call the usual (pro-Israeli) suspects, pro-Palestinian readers may hope that Mr Carter takes on the fabled power of America's Jewish lobby.

The Economist

Nowadays, the Islamic intelligentsia seems less preoccupied with the veil than with whether it is appropriate for pious female Muslims to wear G-string knickers because, as one luminary has opined, "they keep women in a permanent state of sexual arousal .None of this is likely to impress the generals, who say their views on the presidency remain unchanged.

The Economist

Some fans may thrill in seeing a star player turning up for a short stint, as Ricky Ponting, an Australian luminary, is set to do for Surrey this year.

The Economist

Not every Congress luminary, much less the Left Front parties that he must rely on for a parliamentary majority, is willing to champion Mr Singh's reforms.

The Economist

He would invariably conduct, during the teatime interval, a rooftop interview with an aged luminary of the game.

The Economist

The Broken Spoke has hosted almost every single luminary of country music and features a sawdust dance floor over which Texans of all ages swirl.

The Economist

In a book published in 1983, Norman Augustine, a luminary of the aerospace industry, drafted a series of lighthearted "laws".

The Economist

Past trustees have included Donald Rumsfeld, an ex-defence secretary, and Paul Wolfowitz, another Republican luminary who held high office at the Pentagon.

The Economist

Morris, the first dance luminary to direct the event, collaborated with the jazz trio the Bad Plus on his joyous work for 15 dancers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The renaissance was centred in Kolkata (Calcutta) and led by Ram Mohun Roy (1772 1833); its luminary poet, Rabindranath Tagore (1861 1941), composed the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "luminary" when you want to convey that someone is not only successful but also serves as an inspiration or guiding figure to others. It adds a sense of prestige and influence.

Common error

Avoid using "luminary" in casual or informal settings. The term carries a formal connotation and may sound pretentious if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The word "luminary" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a person who is an inspiration or has achieved great success in their field. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing notable figures across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

20%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "luminary" is a noun used to describe a person who inspires or influences others, particularly in a specific field. Ludwig confirms that the term is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in formal contexts like News & Media and Encyclopedias. Its primary function is to highlight the achievements and influence of an individual, conveying respect and admiration. When choosing alternatives, consider "leading figure" or "guiding light" to match the intended nuance. Remember to use "luminary" judiciously, as overuse in informal settings can sound pretentious. As supported by Ludwig AI, this word is used correctly and it's a useful term for describing someone with considerable influence and inspiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading figure

Focuses on prominence and leadership.

leading light

Similar to guiding light, emphasizing inspiration and direction.

guiding light

Emphasizes the inspirational aspect.

notable person

Highlights the individual's fame or recognition.

prominent individual

Stresses the individual's visibility and importance.

figure of note

Highlights the importance and memorability of the person.

renowned expert

Specifically refers to expertise and widespread recognition.

esteemed leader

Highlights respect and leadership qualities.

celebrated authority

Emphasizes expertise and public acclaim.

influential personality

Focuses on the power to affect others.

FAQs

How to use "luminary" in a sentence?

Use "luminary" to describe someone who is a leading figure or inspiration in their field. For example, "She is a

What can I say instead of "luminary"?

You can use alternatives like "leading figure", "guiding light", or "notable person" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "luminary" or "luminaries"?

"Luminary" is singular, referring to one influential person. "Luminaries" is plural, referring to multiple influential people.

What's the difference between "luminary" and "celebrity"?

"Luminary" implies significant achievement and influence in a specific field, while "celebrity" generally refers to widespread public recognition, often without specific expertise or achievement.