Words / C2

LUST-uh/ˈlʌstə/

Lustre (UK spelling) is a soft shine, and also glory or distinction: the lustre of silk, add lustre to a name. Shine and gloss (already in the dictionary) are everyday; resplendent (already in the dictionary) is dazzlingly splendid. Lacklustre (already in the dictionary) is the opposite adjective — dull. Do not staff a night clinic with sheen.

Meaning

A soft shine on a surface; also glory or distinction (UK spelling).

Examples

• “Lustre on the lanyards does not staff the night clinic.”
• “Shine is everyday (already in A2). Gloss as a verb is to smooth over (already in C1). Resplendent is dazzling (already in C2). Lacklustre is dull (already in C1). A well-made badge can be exact. A ribbon that never names the night person is theatre. Fill the rota; then the fabric may gleam.”

Good to know

Sheen; also glory (UK spelling). Everyday: shine (already in this dictionary). Close: sheen. Contrast: resplendent (dazzling — already in C2); lacklustre (dull — already in C1). Sheen ≠ night cover.

Near in meaning

sheen, shine, gloss, radiance

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