lucrative - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
lucrative Word Meanings
- producing a lot of money
- profitable
- beneficial
lucrative Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
lucrative Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈluː.krə.tɪv/
US
/ˈluː.krətɪv/
lucrative Word Etymology
lucrative = lucr- (profit) + -ative (tending to). Origin: Latin 'lucrativus' → Old French → English. Imagine a golden coin rolling towards you, representing profit and wealth.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Lucrative describes something that produces a lot of money or brings significant profit or benefit. In everyday English, it often appears in discussions of jobs, investments, or ventures that seem likely to yield high returns. The word carries a positive, opportunity-focused nuance and is a step stronger than simply profitable, with a dash of drive and ambition. Learners should look for collocations such as lucrative deal, lucrative market, or lucrative offer, and be mindful that not every venture will stay lucrative; market conditions change. The etymology traces to Latin lucrativus, via Old French, and the image of wealth or a golden coin rolling toward you can help remember its sense.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: use lucrative for opportunities, investments, or ventures that promise high returns. Do not describe people as lucrative. Distinguish from profitable with context and tone. Common collocations: lucrative deal, lucrative market, lucrative offer. Tone is positive and ambitious; avoid cynical or speculative misuse. Pronounce as LU-cra-tive with stress on the first syllable.
Common Misconceptions
- Lucrative means rich or expensive by itself; it actually describes profit potential, not price.
- It can describe opportunities, not people.
- More about potential returns than guaranteed outcomes.
- Confused with 'luxurious' due to similar sound—do not mix meanings.
- Interchangeable with 'profitable' in all contexts is incorrect; tone matters.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, lucrative often signals a high-risk, high-reward opportunity and is common in business news and pitches; learners may overgeneralize to describe anything rich or expensive.
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations: lucrative deal, lucrative market, lucrative offer.
- Differentiate lucrative from profitable by context and tone.
- Practice using in business contexts, not to describe people.
- Listen for ambitious, opportunity-driven uses in news or pitches.
- Pronounce LU-cra-tive with the stress on the first syllable.
- Compare with related words like profitable and favorable to sharpen nuance.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'lucrative'?
A.Profitable
B.Generous
C.Friendly
D.Sunny
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'lucrative' used correctly?
A.She had a lucrative day at the beach.
B.The lucrative company went bankrupt.
C.His new job offered a lucrative salary.
D.The weather was lucrative this morning.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'lucrative'?
A.Empty
B.Dull
C.Lavish
D.Beneficial
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'lucrative'?
A.Successful
B.Profitable
C.Thriving
D.Costly
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would 'lucrative' be used?
A.Referring to a difficult test
B.Describing a successful business deal
C.Discussing a boring book
D.Talking about a rainy day
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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