luminous

USAGE SUMMARY

"luminous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something that shines, is bright, or is brilliantly colored. For example: "The luminous sea sparkled in the setting sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This third collection by the Irish poet is full of luminous imagery and sometimes a gentle, almost wistful, touch, as in "Brigie": "When you smile in your sleep / I think of the seal's tail / whispering above the waves, / slipping back again into the deep".

The Guardian - Books

Gascoigne, who was sporting a bizarre, luminous hairstyle which looked like the result of a bet accepted during a stag weekend, collected the ball some way outside the Scotland penalty area before unleashing one of the moments of genius which made him famous in the first place.

The Guardian - Sport

Tonight Ida could triumph twice: its luminous black-and-white camerawork has earned it a best cinematography nomination.

The Guardian - Film

In a year of exceptional achievement, one still seems more luminous.

The Guardian

Sethi also adds green chillies to the base for his Lucknawi chicken korma, which gives his sauce a slightly luminous hue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Chelsea's third-choice striker duly took the ball, looked up at the luminous orange "Drogba Legend" sign, calmly set the ball and finished with the alacrity they had seen so consistently in these parts.

The Guardian - Sport

The Irish origins of the phrase won't surprise anyone who's stood on windswept Donegal cliffs or watched dolphins off the Sheep's Head peninsula, when thought falls away and only a luminous quality remains.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I read aloud a list of suspect details: did Turner actually welcome patrons into a candlelit antechamber so that when they were released into his studio, the luminous canvases would seem more brilliant?

The Guardian - Film

IN 1983 Christo surrounded 11 islands in Biscayne Bay, off Miami, with 600,000 square metres (6.5m square feet) of luminous pink fabric.

The Economist

What is a fiction-lover to do?One solution is "Luminous Airplanes" by Paul La Farge, a novel of modest length about a sluggish computer-programmer tasked with clearing out five generations of junk from his deceased grandparents' home.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was a handy man with a portable iron, and his job was ceaselessly to smooth out the creases in the story.Luminous purple paintPaul and George he knew from school: Paul in his art and English classes, George as a furtive fellow Woodbine-puffer behind the air-raid shelters.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "luminous" when you want to evoke a sense of brightness that is not just about being lit, but also has a quality of clarity, beauty, or brilliance. For example, "luminous prose" suggests writing that is not only clear but also insightful and beautiful.

Common error

Avoid using "luminous" simply as a replacement for "bright" when describing everyday lighting. "Luminous" carries a connotation of something more special or radiant. Instead of saying "a luminous room", consider "a brightly lit room" unless you intend to convey a sense of ethereal or exceptional light.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "luminous" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing their quality of emitting or reflecting light in a striking or radiant manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, "luminous" is frequently employed to enhance descriptions with a sense of brilliance and clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "luminous" is a versatile adjective used to describe something emitting light, brightly illuminated, or possessing a radiant quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, "luminous" adds a touch of elegance and precision to writing. While it shares similarities with terms like "radiant" and "shining", it's best employed when conveying a sense of exceptional brightness or ethereal quality. By understanding its nuances and avoiding common pitfalls, writers can effectively leverage "luminous" to enhance their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

radiant

Emphasizes the emission of light or heat.

shining

Focuses on the act of emitting a bright light.

brilliant

Implies exceptional brightness or intellectual capacity.

glowing

Suggests a soft, warm light.

illuminated

Highlights the state of being lit up.

lucent

Describes the quality of transmitting light easily; clear.

effulgent

Indicates a brilliant radiance.

incandescent

Describes something emitting light due to heat.

phosphorescent

Refers to light emitted without combustion or perceptible heat.

resplendent

Suggests a shining or gleaming quality.

FAQs

How can I use "luminous" in a sentence?

You can use "luminous" to describe something that emits light, is brightly illuminated, or possesses a radiant quality. For example, "The moon cast a "luminous glow" over the landscape", or "Her "luminous intellect" shone through her writing".

What are some synonyms for "luminous"?

Some synonyms for "luminous" include "radiant", "shining", "brilliant", "glowing", and "illuminated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe a person as "luminous"?

Yes, you can describe a person as "luminous", but it's often used metaphorically to suggest that they possess an exceptional quality, such as intelligence, kindness, or beauty that shines brightly. For example, "She had a "luminous personality" that drew people to her".

What is the difference between "luminous" and "bright"?

"Bright" generally refers to the intensity of light. "Luminous" implies that the object itself is emitting light or has a radiant, almost ethereal quality. A lightbulb can be bright, but a star is "luminous".