Allure is spelled with the letter "u," despite the absence of a "u" sound in its pronunciation. The word is pronounced "uh-loor" (əˈlʊr) and is used to describe an enticing or attractive quality. The "u" in this case functions as a vowel, as it follows the initial consonant "L" and precedes the sound of the letter "R." The word's unusual spelling is just one example of the many complexities of the English language.
Allure is a noun that refers to the power or quality of being attractive, intriguing, or fascinating, often implied by charm or personal magnetism. It is the appeal, temptation, or enticement that someone or something holds over others, captivating their interest or desire. This term implies the ability to effortlessly captivate or seduce others through an irresistible charm or beauty, often leading to enchantment or infatuation.
The allure of someone can be physical, stemming from their appearance, grace, or magnetism, or it can be more abstract, based on their intelligence, wit, or charisma. Similarly, inanimate objects or abstract concepts can possess allure, by having an innate quality or characteristic that draws people towards them. For example, a mysterious painting may have an allure that entices art enthusiasts, or a foreign country may have an allure that attracts travelers craving adventure.
The word "allure" also extends beyond the realm of personal attraction and can describe the power or attraction of something that is alluring itself. It can suggest a tempting quality that draws people towards it or a seductive characteristic that can be hard to resist. The allure of fame, wealth, or success, for instance, may tempt individuals into pursuing their dreams or taking risks in hopes of achieving such desires.
Overall, allure encompasses the idea of an irresistible appeal, possessing an innate ability to attract and captivate others, whether it be through personal charm, beauty, or the allure of certain objects or ideas.
To tempt by the offer of something good; to entice, in a good or bad sense.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "allure" originated from the Old French word "alurer", which meant "to attract" or "to entice". It was derived from the combination of the prefix "a-" (meaning "to" or "toward") and the verb "lurer" (meaning "to entice" or "to deceive"). This Old French word, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin word "lure" meaning "a snare" or "a noose", which is related to the verb "ludere" meaning "to play" or "to deceive". This connection showcases how the concept of allure has evolved over time, initially associated with the act of enticing or captivating someone, but rooted in the idea of deception or being caught in a trap.