lustrum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lustrum" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a period of five years and can be used in historical or formal contexts, particularly when discussing time intervals or events that occur every five years. Example: "The organization celebrated its tenth anniversary, marking two lustrums since its founding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Censors also assessed property for taxation and contracts, penalized moral offenders by removing their public rights, such as voting and tribe membership, and presided at the lustrum ceremonies of purification at the close of each census.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Imperium (2006), Lustrum (2009) and Dictator (2015) he did the same with ancient Rome.

The Guardian - Books

The word comes from the Latin lustrum, "a purifying sacrifice," which was carried out every five years in imperial Rome.

The New York Times - Magazine

The concept is based on the ancient Roman lustrum rituals, a cleansing or purification of an individual or community through the removal of pollution.

SEP

In the plural it can also mean debauchery and there is plenty of that in Mr Harris's account of the five turbulent years from 63BC.The author's previous novels about Rome, "Pompeii" and "Imperium", were entertaining and popular and "Lustrum" is another excellent read.

The Economist

Fresh from his triumphs in the east, Pompey plays his part in "Lustrum" but it is the cool, divinely reckless Caesar who casts the longer shadow.

The Economist

"Lustrum" is the expiatory sacrifice that was offered every five years by the censors.

The Economist

Although welcomed as a historical thriller of rare ambition, Robert Harris's Lustrum (Hutchinson, £18.99) combined its portraits of Cicero and Caesar as the Roman republic plotted its way towards disintegration with a persuasive picture of the soon-to-be imperial capital.

Independent

For all its political insights, though, it is as a pure thriller that Lustrum stands or falls.

The Guardian - Books

Unlike the previous book, Lustrum (2009), which began with the discovery of a murder, Dictator opens less obviously in the thriller mode, though its pace is no less relentless, as Harris takes us at a clip through the 15 years between Cicero's exile in 58BC, as a result of the Cataline conspiracy detailed in Lustrum, and his eventual death in 43BC.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a young woman, María Antonia "first thought about having her own house someday, and it seems that she launched her imagination very far into the future with that thought, leaping over the years, the lustrums and the decades, until one day she found herself the owner of Las Cruces".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about ancient Rome or historical periods, use "lustrum" to add a touch of historical authenticity and specificity. Ensure the context aligns with either the time period or the ceremonial aspect of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "lustrum" in general contexts where a simple "five-year period" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily archaic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The noun "lustrum" functions primarily as a temporal marker, denoting a specific duration of five years. It can also refer to a ceremonial purification in ancient Rome. As noted by Ludwig, the word derives from Latin.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "lustrum" denotes a five-year period or a purification ritual in ancient Rome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts. When using "lustrum", consider the formality of your writing; while correct, it is less common than alternatives like "five-year period". Common errors include overusing "lustrum" in casual contexts. Instead, reserve it for historical or formal discussions where its specificity adds value. Related phrases include "quinquennium" and "period of five years". Remember to use it appropriately to add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

five years

Simply states the duration.

five-year period

Directly specifies the duration without the historical context.

quinquennium

A more formal and less common synonym for a five-year period.

period of five years

Expands the concept into a descriptive phrase.

a span of five years

Focuses on the duration as an interval of time.

half-decade

Uses a simpler, more contemporary term.

cycle of five years

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the period.

pentad

A less common synonym, emphasizing the 'five' aspect.

purification ceremony

Shifts the focus to the ritualistic aspect of the term.

ritual cleansing

Emphasizes the act of cleansing or purification.

FAQs

How to use "lustrum" in a sentence?

You can use "lustrum" to refer to a period of five years, especially in historical contexts. For example: "The organization celebrated its second "lustrum" since its founding."

What can I say instead of "lustrum"?

You can use alternatives like "five-year period" or "quinquennium" depending on the context. The latter is a more formal synonym.

Which is correct, "lustrum" or "five years period"?

"Lustrum" is a single word for a five-year period, especially in historical contexts. "Five years period" is grammatically incorrect; the correct phrase is "five-year period".

What's the difference between "lustrum" and "quinquennium"?

Both "lustrum" and "quinquennium" refer to a period of five years. "Lustrum" often carries a historical connotation, particularly related to ancient Rome, while "quinquennium" is a more general and formal term.