luminous
/ˈluːmɪnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈluːmɪnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlü-mə-nəs/ (ame, mw)
luminous — adjective
- luminouspositive
- more luminouscomparative
- most luminoussuperlative
1. describes an object that gives out a soft, steady light — especially in dark con
describes an object that gives out a soft, steady light — especially in dark conditions, so that it can be seen without any other light source.
Mei-Lin hung luminous stars on her bedroom ceiling so they would glow at night.
luminous + noun for glow-in-the-dark items
The watch had a luminous dial that helped Kwame read the time in the dark tent.
Farid painted luminous stripes on his trainers for safety when running at night.
The jellyfish gave off a luminous blue glow as it drifted through the dark water.
Hana's luminous bracelet helped her friends find her easily at the busy festival.
用法筆記
Often used for objects that absorb light and then emit it in the dark, such as watch dials, safety signs, or toy stickers. Not used for very bright light sources like the sun — 'bright' or 'blinding' fits better there.
常見錯誤
2. relating to the measurement or perception of light — used in scientific contexts
relating to the measurement or perception of light — used in scientific contexts such as physics and engineering to describe the properties of a light source.
Engineers measured the luminous output of the new lamp using a special device.
collocation: luminous output / luminous flux
The luminous efficiency of LED bulbs is much higher than that of old light bulbs.
Dr. Okafor taught her students about luminous flux during physics class.
Theo compared the luminous intensity of two street lamps for his school project.
Clara learned about the luminous properties of different materials in science class.
- photometric
more specific; refers to the measurement of visible light
用法筆記
Restricted to technical or academic contexts. In this sense 'luminous' is a precise scientific term and cannot be replaced with everyday words like 'bright' or 'shiny'.
常見錯誤
3. extremely attractive and full of life, as if glowing from within — used to descr
extremely attractive and full of life, as if glowing from within — used to describe a person's appearance, a performance, or a beautiful scene.
Sofia looked luminous in her wedding dress as she walked down the aisle.
figurative: describes a person glowing with beauty
Diego thought the sunset over the mountains looked luminous that evening.
Ananya's skin had a luminous quality after months of good sleep and healthy food.
Yuna gave a luminous performance that moved everyone in the theatre to tears.
用法筆記
This is a figurative use comparing beauty to inner light. It is stronger and more poetic than 'beautiful' and often suggests health, happiness, or emotional radiance.
常見錯誤
4. extremely bright and strong in colour, so that the colour seems almost to give o
extremely bright and strong in colour, so that the colour seems almost to give off its own light.
Arjun chose a luminous orange jacket so he would stand out on the ski slope.
luminous + colour adjective for vivid hues
Bao painted his front door a luminous red that visitors noticed from far away.
Noa's swimsuit was a luminous pink that could be seen from across the pool.
Amara picked a luminous green fabric for the curtains in her new flat.
用法筆記
Specifically modifies colour terms (luminous yellow, luminous pink, etc.) to indicate an eye-catching vividness that resembles glow. Stronger than 'bright' and less common than 'vivid'.