Definition

Noun: 1. A soft, gentle sheen or glow on a surface: The quality of shining by reflecting light in a soft, diffuse, and often beautiful way. 2. A quality of brilliance, glory, or distinction: A radiant or splendid attractiveness that makes something or someone stand out. 3. A thin, glossy coating applied to ceramics or other materials: A substance used to give an object a shiny, reflective surface.

Usage

• Describing Physical Appearance: Used to describe the gentle shine on surfaces like polished wood, silk, hair, or pearls.
  • The fine silk had a beautiful lustre.
  • He polished the silver until it regained its lustre.
• Describing Abstract Qualities: Used figuratively to describe the glory, brilliance, or attractiveness of something non-physical, such as a reputation, achievement, or performance.
  • Her remarkable victory added lustre to her career.
  • The old story has lost none of its lustre.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To lose its lustre": To become less shiny, attractive, interesting, or impressive over time.
  • The once-popular holiday destination has lost its lustre for many travelers.
• "To add lustre to": To enhance the glory, reputation, or attractiveness of something.
  • The prestigious award added significant lustre to the university's name.

Variants and Related Words

• Luster: The American English spelling of "lustre".
• Lustrous (adjective): Having lustre; shining softly.
  • She had long, lustrous hair.

Synonyms

• Sheen: A soft shine on a surface.
• Gloss: A smooth, shiny appearance.
• Radiance: Light or heat as emitted or reflected; brilliant happiness.
• Brilliance: Intense brightness of light; exceptional talent or intelligence.

Antonyms

• Dullness: Lack of brightness or shine.
• Drabness: Lack of brightness or interest; dreariness.
• Matteness: A surface finish that is not shiny or glossy.

Noun

1. the visual property of something that shines with reflected light
2. a quality that outshines the usual
3. a surface coating for ceramics or porcelain