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Allure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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allure

[əˈljʊə(r) ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mysterious attraction

The power to attract or charm; the quality of being fascinating or attractive.

Synonyms

appeal, attraction, charm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allure

This term conveys a sense of mystery and irresistible attraction, often used to describe something or someone that is powerfully and magically appealing.

  • The allure of the ancient ruins drew visitors from around the world.
  • She could not resist the allure of the designer handbag.
charm

Charm implies a delightful or captivating quality that fascinates and pleases. It often carries a warm, endearing connotation.

  • The village has a rustic charm that tourists adore.
  • His kindness and charm won over everyone at the party.
attraction

This word is commonly used to describe a quality or feature that draws interest or admiration, often in a more neutral context.

  • The theme park is a popular attraction for families.
  • Her intelligence is one of her strongest attractions.
appeal

Appeal is used to describe a quality that makes something attractive or interesting, often in a more general and neutral sense.

  • The new smartphone has a broad appeal due to its innovative features.
  • Her speech had a strong appeal to the audience.

Examples of usage

  • The allure of the unknown was too tempting to resist.
  • She possessed an undeniable allure that captivated everyone around her.
Context #2 | Verb

tempting

To tempt or entice someone with something desirable.

Synonyms

attract, entice, tempt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allure

This word is best used when describing something that has a mysterious, almost magical charm that captivates people. It's often associated with beauty, elegance, or a sense of enigma.

  • The allure of the ancient ruins drew in many tourists.
  • She couldn't resist the allure of the sparkling diamond necklace.
tempt

This word is best used when describing a strong appeal or desire, especially one that could lead someone into wrongdoing or indulgence. It frequently has a negative connotation.

  • The delicious smell of fresh cookies tempted her to break her diet.
  • Don't let the promise of easy money tempt you into making risky investments.
entice

Entice is often used when you want to describe something that is tempting or appealing, typically by offering something pleasurable or rewarding. It can have a slightly manipulative undertone.

  • The restaurant is trying to entice customers with a new menu.
  • Advertisements often entice shoppers with sales and discounts.
attract

This word is neutral and general. It's suitable for describing something that draws people or things toward it, either literally or figuratively.

  • The bright lights attract insects on summer nights.
  • The new park is designed to attract families from all over the city.

Examples of usage

  • The luxurious scent of the perfume allured him into the store.
  • The promise of adventure allured her to explore the unknown.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters often embody 'allure' to portray seduction or fascination, deepening the plot.
  • Famous works, like those of Shakespeare, use allure to depict romantic attraction and desire.
  • Many poets have drawn on the theme of allure to illustrate beauty and longing, as seen in romantic poetry.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies suggest that allure often stems from a combination of beauty and mystery, making a person or object irresistible.
  • The concept of allure can trigger emotional responses, making individuals more likely to pursue relationships or experiences.
  • Research indicates that allure can be enhanced by confidence and charisma, showcasing the importance of personality.

Pop Culture

  • Celebrity culture often exemplifies allure, as public figures draw fans with their glamor and charisma.
  • Fashion brands leverage allure in advertising by using striking visuals and emotional narratives to attract customers.
  • Movies frequently feature characters whose allure drives the story, capturing audience fascination and engagement.

Art

  • Artists often explore the theme of allure through visuals that capture beauty and evoke an emotional response.
  • From classic paintings to modern photography, allure is a recurring motif that impacts how viewers interact with artworks.
  • Certain art movements, like Impressionism, depict alluring scenes that draw viewers into their vibrant depictions of light and color.

Origin of 'allure'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'allure' comes from the Old French word 'aleurer', which means to entice or attract.
  • It was formed from the combination of 'a-' meaning 'to' and 'lurer', which means 'to lure'.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, reflecting its long-standing presence in the language.

The word 'allure' originated from the Old French word 'alurer' meaning 'to attract or captivate'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe the captivating and tempting qualities of something or someone. Over time, 'allure' has become associated with the mysterious and irresistible charm that draws people in.

See also: allurement, alluring, alluringly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,875, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.