Luminaries
/ˈluːmɪˌnɛriz/
nounB2plural
Definition
Luminaries means people who are leaders or experts in their field and are admired by others. They often shine like stars because of their skills, knowledge, or influence. The word can also mean objects that give light, but usually, it is used for people who "shine" in society or culture.
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Important or famous people admired for their knowledge or achievements
- •The conference was attended by luminaries from the world of science.
- •She is one of the luminaries in the field of medicine.
- •The book features interviews with luminaries in art and literature.
(Less common) Objects that give off light, such as stars or lamps
- •The moon and stars are natural luminaries in the night sky.
- •Ancient cultures worshipped luminaries like the sun and moon.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "luminaries" like "stars," but not the stars in the sky, real people who are famous or important in their jobs or communities
- ✓Picture a bright light shining in a dark room, helping others see clearly—luminaries help others by their knowledge or example
- ✓It's the feeling when you meet someone you really respect or look up to because they are very skilled or smart
- ✓Sounds like "LUME-in-air-ees" → imagine a room full of glowing lamps (lume = light), each lamp representing a famous person lighting the way for others
- ✓Think of famous scientists, artists, or leaders who guide others like a bright light in the dark
- ✓NOT like "celebrity" (famous for being famous), luminaries are known for their real skill or important work
- ✓NOT like "ordinary people," luminaries stand out because of their special talents or achievements
Try Other Words
- •Leaders: important people who guide others (Use when focusing on guiding or directing roles)
- •Experts: people with deep knowledge (Use when emphasizing skill or knowledge)
- •Celebrities: famous people (Use when fame is more about public attention than skill)
- •Icons: people who represent important ideas or styles (Use when focusing on symbolic meaning)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "lumin-" (light) + "-ary" (related to) → meaning "related to light"
- •Etymology: From Latin "luminaria," meaning lights or sources of light
- •Historical development: Originally meant objects that give light, later used metaphorically for people who "shine" by their importance
- •Modern usage: Mainly used to describe famous or respected people who inspire or lead others, like "shining lights" in their fields
Reflect & Connect
•What qualities make a person a luminary in your culture or community?
•How can someone become a luminary without being famous in the usual way?
Fill in the blanks
1.The conference invited many luminaries ___ science and technology to share their knowledge.
2.Luminaries often inspire others because of their ___ and experience.
3.Unlike celebrities, luminaries are respected for their real ___, not just their fame.
4.The word luminaries comes from a root meaning ___, which connects to how these people shine in society.
5.In the night sky, the moon and stars are natural luminaries, meaning they ___ light.
6.When a person becomes a luminary, they usually have worked hard to ___ their skills.
7.Luminaries often play a role in guiding others, acting as ___ in their fields.