the lustre

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the lustre" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the shine or glow of a surface, often in relation to materials like metals, gems, or finishes. Example: "The lustre of the polished marble floor added an elegant touch to the grand hall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lustre has gone.

The Guardian - Sport

The lustre ranges from subvitreous to dull.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Restore the lustre with furniture polish.

The Guardian

A dab of butter increases the lustre factor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since 2006, however, the lustre of the series has faded.

The New Yorker

Recent tabloid exposure has taken the lustre off somewhat, though.

The Guardian

I compliment him on it – the lustre, the density.

The Guardian - Film

There is about Ainslie the lustre of legend.

The Guardian - Sport

The moon gave the lustre of mid-day to objects in the snow.

The New Yorker

The lustre of the micas is usually described as splendent, but some cleavage faces appear pearly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These events seem to add to the lustre of the main conferences, rather than dilute them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the lustre" to describe a quality of reflected light or a metaphorical attractiveness. It is suitable for formal writing and descriptions of physical objects, reputations, or abstract qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "the lustre" when a simpler term like "shine" or "glow" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the lustre" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the quality of shining by reflecting light, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples, emphasizing the intensity and attractiveness of this reflection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the lustre" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, denoting a quality of shine or brilliance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing both physical attributes and abstract qualities. While versatile, its formal tone suggests careful consideration of context; synonyms like "the sheen" or "the glow" may be more appropriate for casual settings. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources such as The Guardian, The New Yorker, and Encyclopedia Britannica, underscores its reliability in formal and descriptive writing. Remember to consider whether "the lustre" truly enhances your message or if a simpler term would be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sheen

Focuses on the surface appearance and reflected light, implying a soft, radiant glow rather than intense brilliance.

the brilliance

Emphasizes exceptional brightness and visual impact, highlighting the quality of being radiant or dazzling.

the radiance

Suggests a glowing light emanating from within, conveying warmth and beauty in addition to visual brightness.

the splendor

Highlights magnificence and grandeur, focusing on overall impressive appearance rather than just brightness.

the allure

Shifts the meaning to attractiveness and charm, emphasizing the quality of being enticing or captivating.

the gleam

Implies a brief or subtle flash of light, often associated with reflection or polished surfaces.

the shimmer

Suggests a soft, wavering light, indicating a gentle and often fluctuating visual effect.

the gloss

Emphasizes a smooth and shiny surface, typically referring to a coating or finish that enhances appearance.

the sparkle

Highlights small, bright points of light, creating a lively and animated effect.

the aura

Shifts the meaning to an intangible quality surrounding something, indicating an atmosphere or feeling rather than a physical appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "the lustre" in a sentence?

You can use "the lustre" to describe the shine of an object, as in "The moon gave "the lustre of" midday to objects in the snow". It can also refer to someone's reputation, for example, "Recent tabloid exposure has taken "the lustre off" somewhat".

What words can I use instead of "the lustre"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "the brilliance", "the sheen", or "the splendor".

Is it correct to say "the luster" instead of "the lustre"?

Yes, "luster" is the American English spelling, while "lustre" is the British English spelling. Both are correct, but use the spelling that is appropriate for your audience.

How does the meaning of "the lustre" differ from "the glow"?

"The glow" often implies a soft, diffused light, whereas "the lustre" suggests a more reflective, brilliant shine. "The glow" might describe a candle, while "the lustre" could describe polished metal.