aura
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the special feeling or mood that a person, place, or thing seems to have.
a distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place.
Simple“The old library had a quiet, peaceful aura that made it easy to study.”
In context“The candidate projected an aura of calm confidence during the debate, which helped reassure voters who were undecided about his experience.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
a strange feeling or visual change that some people get just before a migraine or a seizure.
a subjective sensory disturbance, such as seeing flashing lights or smelling something strange, that precedes a migraine or epileptic seizure.
Simple“She knew a headache was coming because she started seeing a strange aura in her vision.”
In context“The patient reported a distinct olfactory aura involving the scent of burnt toast approximately five minutes before the onset of the seizure.”
UsageOften used with the indefinite article 'an' or as an uncountable noun in clinical contexts.
Synonymspremonitionwarning - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a glow or energy that some people believe surrounds living things.
a supposed invisible emanation or field of energy surrounding a person or object, often associated with New Age or mystical beliefs.
Simple“The psychic claimed she could see a bright yellow aura around the young man.”
In context“In many spiritual traditions, a golden aura is depicted around the heads of saints to represent their divine enlightenment.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
the level of coolness, style, or respect a person has.
the perceived charisma, social standing, or 'coolness' of an individual, often used in the context of gaining or losing social points.
Simple“Tripping in front of your crush is a quick way to lose aura.”
In context“The striker's aura was so immense that the defenders seemed intimidated before the match even started.”
Teacher's tipThis is a very modern use popular on social media; it is often used with 'points' (e.g., 'minus 100 aura').