ENGLISH
REFERENCE

allure

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //əˈɫʊɹ// UK //ɐlˈɔː// al·lure Archaic

n. a powerful quality that makes something or someone seem attractive and exciting. It is the feeling of being pulled toward something special.

n. the quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating. Often implies a sense of charm or appeal that is difficult to resist.


SIMPLE

The allure of the big city is very strong for young people.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the risks involved in professional racing, the allure of speed and fame keeps drivers returning to the track.

COMPLEX

The quiet allure of the desert landscape lies in its vastness and the shifting colors of the dunes at sunset, which draw photographers from around the world.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English aluren, from Old French aleurer, alurer, from a (“to, towards”) (Latin ad) + leurre (“lure”). Compare lure.

Etymology 2

From Middle English alure, alour, from Old French alure, aleure (“walk, gait”), from aler (“to go”) + -ure.

Usage

Usually uncountable; when used with an article ('the allure of'), it is followed by a prepositional phrase starting with 'of'.

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