lucre - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
lucre Word Meanings
- money or profit gained, especially in an unethical way.
- financial gain; profit.
- wealth acquired, sometimes with a negative connotation.
lucre Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
lucre Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈluː.kər/
US
/ˈluː.kɚ/
lucre Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'lucre' comes from Latin 'lucrum' meaning 'profit'. Historical origin: from Latin 'lucrum' → Old French 'lucre' → English. Memory image: Imagine a man calculating his profits in a dark alley, hinting at the unethical ways some gain wealth, making 'lucre' feel a bit shady.
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
Lucre is a somewhat old-fashioned, negative term for money or profit, especially when earned through questionable means. It conveys moral judgment and is often found in phrases like 'dirty lucre' or 'filthy lucre' to condemn profits that come at others' expense. In everyday English, many would simply say 'profit' or 'money,' reserving lucre for literary, political, or satirical contexts where the speaker wants to imply corruption. The word traces to Latin lucrum meaning 'profit' and passed through Old French into English. For learners, lucre's strong negative connotation can be tricky: using it in neutral business discussion sounds odd, while dropping it altogether might miss a nuanced tone in polemical writing.
Usage Reminders
- Use lucre to signal negative moral judgment about money; avoid in neutral business talk. Prefer profit or money for neutral contexts. Common collocations include filthy lucre or dirty lucre. Avoid overusing it in everyday writing. Remember its Latin origin lucrum to help with related vocabulary.
Common Misconceptions
- Lucre is just another word for money in all contexts.
- It cannot appear in political writing.
- Lucre always refers to legally earned profits.
- Using lucre makes a sentence formal but neutral.
- All negative money-related terms are synonyms of lucre.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, lucre carries a strong moral charge and is often found in satire, journalism, or literature; avoid using it to describe neutral profits in business reports.
Learning Tips
- Note the negative connotation and avoid neutral business contexts.
- Link lucre to phrases like filthy lucre to remember tone.
- Compare with profit/money to choose correct register.
- Recall its Latin root lucrum to build related terms.
- Read literary or opinion pieces to see natural usage.
- Practice rephrasing sentences to replace lucre with neutral terms.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'lucre'?
A.A type of fruit
B.Profit or financial gain
C.A place to live
D.A style of painting
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'lucre' correctly?
A.She enjoyed the lucre from her delicious cooking.
B.Many people worked hard to earn their daily lucre.
C.The artist sought to express his lucre through beautiful paintings.
D.The lucre was hidden beneath the surface of the water.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'lucre'?
A.Earnings
B.Friendship
C.Kindness
D.Adventure
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'lucre'?
A.Loss
B.Joy
C.Success
D.Wealth
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where gaining money is important?
A.Volunteers often help others without seeking any money.
B.In business, many pursue ways to increase profits.
C.Tourists enjoy sightseeing in new countries.
D.Artists produce work primarily for enjoyment.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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