alure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary; can be used in journalistic and marketing contexts.
Quick answer
What does “alure” mean?
The quality of being powerfully attractive, fascinating, or enticing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of being powerfully attractive, fascinating, or enticing.
A compelling charm or appeal, often with connotations of sophistication, mystery, or temptation. Can refer to the attractive power of an idea, place, or lifestyle as well as a person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'allure' is standard in both. No significant usage difference in meaning. Slightly higher frequency in British literary texts.
Connotations
Both share connotations of sophistication and potential danger/temptation.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, but more common in formal/written registers.
Grammar
How to Use “alure” in a Sentence
the allure of [noun phrase][adjective] allurehold/have/lose (its) allure for [person/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The prospect of adventure allured him from his quiet life.
- They were allured by promises of quick wealth.
American English
- The ad campaign is designed to allure younger consumers.
- Don't be allured by flashy gadgets with no real function.
adverb
British English
- She smiled alluringly from across the room.
- The lights shimmered alluringly on the water.
American English
- The dessert was alluringly displayed in the case.
- He spoke alluringly of faraway places.
adjective
British English
- She had an alluring smile that captivated everyone.
- The brochure painted an alluring picture of island life.
American English
- He found her confidence incredibly alluring.
- The job offer came with an alluring salary package.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing to describe a brand's appeal. 'The company leveraged the exotic allure of its ingredients.'
Academic
Used in literary/cultural criticism. 'The paper examines the allure of the Gothic in 19th-century fiction.'
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. 'I've never understood the allure of extreme sports.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical domains.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alure”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alure”
- Spelling: 'allure' not 'alure'.
- Using it as a verb without '-ing' (correct: 'Her voice was alluring', not 'Her voice allure me').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally positive (attractive, fascinating), but it can have a negative connotation when implying a superficial, dangerous, or deceptive attraction.
Yes, but it is less common and more formal/literary than the noun. The adjective 'alluring' is frequently used.
'Allure' suggests a more powerful, sophisticated, and often mysterious or tempting quality. 'Attraction' is more general and neutral.
Stress the second syllable: uh-LOOR. The first syllable is a schwa /ə/.
The quality of being powerfully attractive, fascinating, or enticing.
Alure is usually formal, literary; can be used in journalistic and marketing contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The grass is always greener on the other side (captures the allure of the unfamiliar).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LURE (fishing bait) that ATTRACTS you. ALLURE = ATTRACTIVE LURE.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTION IS A MAGNETIC FORCE / TEMPTATION IS A BAITED HOOK.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'allure' CORRECTLY?