French word

lustre

Pronunciation

IPA/lystʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounshine

Example

Ce meuble a perdu son lustre.

This piece of furniture has lost its shine.

Illustration for lustre (shine)

More examples

Après le cirage, le parquet a retrouvé son lustre.

After waxing, the parquet regained its luster.

Core concept

A surface or reputation made brighter and more impressive, as if polished light were falling on it.

Common phrases

  • faire briller le lustre

    enhance the luster

  • le lustre de la table

    the table's luster

Similar words

brillance: A bright appearance produced by strong light reflection.
éclat: A strong, clearly defined glow or radiance.
reflet: A bright line or image formed when light bounces off a surface.

Definition in French

Brillance au sens propre ou figuré, éclat qui valorise l'apparence ou la réputation d'une chose ou d'une personne.

Word origin

French lustre came through Italian lustro from Latin lustrare, meaning to illuminate, and kept the linked ideas of light, shine, and prestige.

Usage tips

  • French lustre is masculine, so standard forms are le lustre and un lustre.

Other meanings

  • chandeliernoun

Opposites

  • matitédullnessnoun

Related words

  • lustrerpolishverb

Word lists with this word