glamorous
gb/ɡlˈæmɚəs/ us/ɡlˈæmɚəs/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
very stylish and attractive
very beautiful and stylish in an exciting way
Usage pattern:
[someone]/[something] is glamorous
Common mistake:
Spelling: it is usually spelled glamorous (not glamourous). Also, glamorous is more than just 'beautiful'—it suggests style and admiration.
Synonyms
stylish (focuses on fashion and taste; less about excitement.)
|
elegant (more refined and classic; less showy.)
|
alluring (suggests strong attraction, sometimes sexual.)
|
glitzy (more flashy; can sound slightly negative.)
Antonyms
plain (simple and not specially attractive.)
|
drab (dull and lacking color or excitement.)
|
dowdy (unfashionable in a way that looks old or untidy.)
Collocations
a glamorous woman
|a glamorous actress
|a glamorous dress
|a glamorous outfit
|a glamorous look
|a glamorous party
|glamorous makeup
|glamorous jewelry
|glamorous hair
|glamorous photos
Themes
appearance
|fashion
|lifestyle
Examples
- She looked glamorous in a black dress and red lipstick.
- The hotel lobby is glamorous, with marble floors and huge chandeliers.
- They published glamorous photos from the premiere.
Learner examples
- She is glamorous.
- He bought a glamorous suit.
adjective
B2
property
2
luxurious and exciting life or work
exciting and rich-looking, like celebrity life
Usage pattern:
a glamorous [life/job/career/world]
Common mistake:
Don’t use glamorous to mean only 'fun'; it usually implies luxury, fame, or admiration.
Synonyms
luxurious (emphasizes comfort and expense more than image.)
|
high-profile (emphasizes public attention rather than beauty or style.)
|
glittering (emphasizes shine and impressive display; can be figurative.)
|
jet-set (suggests frequent travel among rich and fashionable people.)
Antonyms
ordinary (not special or exciting.)
|
humble (simple and not luxurious.)
|
unfashionable (not stylish or admired.)
Collocations
a glamorous lifestyle
|a glamorous career
|a glamorous job
|the glamorous world of fashion
|a glamorous holiday
|a glamorous location
|a glamorous city
|a glamorous event
|a glamorous industry
|a glamorous reputation
Themes
lifestyle
|entertainment
|work
Examples
- The film shows the glamorous life of a pop star.
- People think the job is glamorous, but most days are long and stressful.
- They moved to the city for a more glamorous social scene.
Learner examples
- Her job sounds glamorous.
- They live a glamorous life.
adjective
C1
property
3
made to seem more attractive
shown in a way that looks better than reality
Usage pattern:
a glamorous view/portrayal/image of [something]
Common mistake:
In this sense, glamorous often implies an unrealistic or idealized presentation, not just something genuinely stylish.
Synonyms
idealized (emphasizes making something seem perfect.)
|
romanticized (emphasizes emotional appeal and nostalgia.)
|
polished (emphasizes careful editing and presentation.)
|
airbrushed (suggests hiding flaws, especially in images.)
Antonyms
realistic (shows things as they really are.)
|
unvarnished (honest and not made more appealing.)
|
gritty (shows harsh, unpleasant realities.)
Collocations
a glamorous image
|a glamorous portrayal
|a glamorous depiction
|a glamorous version
|a glamorous view
|a glamorous story
|a glamorous advert
|a glamorous brochure
|a glamorous fantasy
|a glamorous myth
Themes
media
|marketing
|communication
Examples
- The documentary avoids a glamorous portrayal of war.
- The brochure offers a glamorous view of island life, but the village is very basic.
- Social media can create a glamorous version of everyday routines.
Learner examples
- The ad shows a glamorous image of the product.
Grammar
Dictionary form
glamorous
IPA
GB/ɡlˈæmɚəs/
US/ɡlˈæmɚəs/
Syllables & stress
glam - or - ous (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (glam)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: glamorous
Word family
Core family
glamour
noun
glamorously
adverb
Related words
glamorize
verb
Negative and opposite forms
unglamorous
adjective
Advanced or less common
glamorization
noun
Expressions
not exactly glamorous
1/nˈɑt ɪɡzˈæktli ɡlˈæmɚəs/
fixed phrase
not attractive or impressive
not very nice or exciting
Examples
- Cleaning the kitchen after a party is not exactly glamorous.
- The job involves a lot of paperwork—it's not exactly glamorous.
- Camping is fun, but sleeping on the ground is not exactly glamorous.
the glamorous life
1/ðə ɡlˈæmɚəs lˈaɪf/
fixed phrase
life of luxury and admiration
a rich, exciting life like a celebrity’s
Examples
- He thought he wanted the glamorous life, but he hated being recognized everywhere.
- Magazines sell the idea of the glamorous life.
- She left the glamorous life of television to spend more time with her family.