luster

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "luster" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a glow or sheen that something has, often a metallic quality. For example, "The luster of gold coins glinted in the sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The wood of black cherry, native to North America, has a reddish brown colour and a warm luster when finished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It forms," Ørsted reported, "a lump of metal which in color and luster somewhat resembles tin".

Encyclopedia Britannica

EGX 2015 graced Birmingham's NEC for the first time since the event's move from its usual home in the now defunct chambers of Earl's Court, but the familiar sight of long queues of gamers, eager to try out current and upcoming titles proved that much of the event's luster hadn't been lost in the transition.

Independent

His film credits include The Edge of Love, based loosely on the life of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, and thriller Luster.

Independent

Paris's legendary label as the "City of Light" may soon lose some of its luster.

Independent

Recalling San Francisco prostitutes, Alison says, "Most of them weren't beautiful girls, but they had a special luster".

The New Yorker

Take the opening of the story "Storm": The sun gave to the bare fields the luster of ripened hay.

The New Yorker

Will Grimsley, of the Associated Press, wrote that, if Bid won, "the glory of the Triple Crown would certainly lose all its luster".

The New Yorker

"The meaning of the event for collectors has lost its luster.

The New Yorker

For him, an official from the ruling party, a very visible member of the Nashi movement and the Russian blogosphere, to be suddenly useless in a moment of chaos and national need — I could see why the moment would lack the tragicomic luster of so many things in Russia.

The New Yorker

As luck would have it, Kinkade's tidy paintings of elf cottages and toadstools have lost their luster in the last few years, or maybe it was just his business plan, which seemed more intent on world domination than on painting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "luster" to describe a visual quality that is both attractive and reflective, especially when referring to surfaces or achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "luster" too frequently when describing intangible qualities like ideas or feelings. Opt for words like "relevance", "impact", or "significance" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "luster" is as a noun, referring to the quality of shining by reflecting light. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a glow or sheen, often with a metallic quality, as seen in examples like "the wood of black cherry, native to North America, has a reddish brown colour and a warm luster when finished."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "luster" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe a radiant or shining quality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, often evoking a sense of attractiveness or value. It appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's best to use "luster" for physical surfaces or achievements but consider alternatives like "relevance" or "impact" when describing intangible qualities. As seen in the examples, authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica frequently employ "luster" to add depth and visual appeal to their content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

splendour

British spelling emphasizing magnificence.

shine

A more general term for brightness or radiance.

sheen

Refers to a soft, subtle shine on a surface.

radiance

Implies a bright and glowing quality.

brilliance

Suggests exceptional brightness or intelligence.

splendor

Emphasizes magnificence and grandeur.

glow

A soft, steady light.

polish

Refers to a smooth and shiny surface.

attractiveness

Highlights the appealing or pleasing quality.

excellence

Focuses on high quality and merit.

FAQs

How can I use "luster" in a sentence?

You can use "luster" to describe the shine of a surface (e.g., "the luster of polished silver") or the brilliance of an achievement (e.g., "the project added luster to his reputation").

What are some synonyms for "luster"?

Alternatives to "luster" include "shine", "sheen", "radiance", and "brilliance", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say something has lost its "luster"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. Saying something has lost its "luster" means it has diminished in attractiveness, importance, or brilliance over time, such as "the old tradition has lost its "luster"".

What is the difference between "luster" and "glamour"?

"Luster" refers to a radiant quality or surface appearance, while "glamour" implies an alluring or exciting attractiveness often associated with celebrity or fashion. You can have "luster" without "glamour", and vice versa.