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Cynosure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cynosure

[ˈsī-nə-ˌshu̇r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

guiding light

Cynosure refers to something that strongly attracts attention by its brilliance, interest, or beauty. Originally, this term was used to describe the North Star, which served as a critical point of navigation in the night sky. Over time, it has evolved to denote any focal point or leading figure in a given context, such as in a group or an environment. It embodies the idea of being a prominent or guiding feature, often admired or looked up to.

Synonyms

attraction, centerpiece, focal point, guiding star.

Examples of usage

  • The artist became the cynosure of all eyes during the gallery opening.
  • In the midst of the chaos, she remained the cynosure of calm and reason.
  • His innovative ideas made him the cynosure of the tech industry.
  • The starlet was the cynosure of the film festival, drawing attention from fans and media alike.

Translations

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

Origin of 'cynosure'

The word 'cynosure' has its roots in the ancient Greek word 'kynosoura', which means 'dog's tail'. This refers to the constellation Ursa Minor, in which the North Star (Polaris) is located at the end of the 'tail' of the little bear. The term 'cynosure' was adopted into Latin as 'cynosura', preserving its astronomical sense of a guiding star. Over time, it transitioned into Middle English, where it was used metaphorically to indicate a person or thing that serves as a guiding light or point of focus. The idea of cynosure evolved from a literal navigational aid to a metaphorical emblem of prominence and admiration in various fields, including fashion, art, and leadership.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,849, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.