luster

/ˈlʌs.tər/ (bre, ipa) · [lˈʌstɚ] /ˈlʌs.tɚ/ (ame, ipa) · [lˈʌstɚ] /ˈlə-stər How to pronounce luster (audio)/ (ame, mw)

luster — noun

1. the smooth, gentle brightness a surface shows when light bounces off it, especia

1.名詞C1
釋義

the smooth, gentle brightness a surface shows when light bounces off it, especially when the surface looks polished or healthy

例句

Ishaan polished the silver tray until a warm luster spread across it.

warm + luster — visual shine on polished metal

Salma rubbed conditioner through her hair to restore its natural luster.

restore + natural luster — common hair-care pattern

同義詞
  • sheen

    very close synonym; sheen is a little more everyday and often softer in tone

  • gleam

    suggests a brighter or more momentary flash of light

  • shine

    the everyday general word; luster feels richer and more literary

  • gloss

    focuses more on a smooth, polished finish, especially on paint or paper

反義詞
  • dullness

    the absence of shine on a surface

  • tarnish

    a dark layer that removes shine, especially from metal

文法句型

the luster of [surface]

lose/regain luster

用法筆記

This sense is used for reflected shine on smooth surfaces such as metal, stone, fabric, leather, pearls, or hair. It commonly appears with verbs of loss or recovery such as lose, restore, regain, and bring back.

常見錯誤

❌The midday sun had a strong luster.
✅The wet pavement had a strong luster in the midday sun.
💡luster describes the shine on a surface, not the light source itself.
❌Her joke gave the dinner table more luster.
✅Her silver candles gave the dinner table more luster.
💡this sense is about physical shine, not social prestige.

2. a special air of beauty, glamour, or prestige that makes a person, place, or thi

2.名詞C2
釋義

a special air of beauty, glamour, or prestige that makes a person, place, or thing seem admired and impressive

例句

Nala's Olympic medal brought fresh luster to the town's sports club.

bring luster to [institution] — prestige pattern

Sari's name gave instant luster to the new book prize.

give luster to [event/prize]

同義詞
  • prestige

    focuses on respect and status more than sparkle or glamour

  • glamour

    emphasizes exciting attractiveness more than dignity or reputation

  • distinction

    more formal and restrained, with less sense of sparkle

  • cachet

    stresses the social value or special status something gains

反義詞
  • obscurity

    the state of being little known or admired

  • disgrace

    an active loss of honor or respect

文法句型

add luster to [event/institution]

lose its luster

用法筆記

Distinguish this from sense 1: here the shine is metaphorical rather than physical. It is most often used for reputations, events, institutions, careers, or famous names that make something seem more important or attractive.

常見錯誤

❌The mirror added luster to the room.
✅The famous architect added luster to the project.
💡this sense is about prestige or admired appeal, not reflected light.
❌The polished ring had great luster in the magazine photo.
✅The polished ring had a bright luster in the magazine photo.
💡for physical shine on an object, use sense 1.