cynosure
noun

- a person or thing that is the centre of attention or admiration

- a person or thing that is so good or beautiful that it attracts a lot of attention

- the northern constellation Ursa Minor

Oxford Languages, Cambridge Dictionary, Merriam-Webster

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WORD ORIGIN

The etymology of "cynosure" is quite fascinating, with roots that trace back to ancient Greek navigation and astronomy.

The Greeks called the constellation Ursa Minor (Little Dipper) kynosoura (because they saw it as resembling a dog's tail) kynos (κυνός) "dog") + oura (οὐρά) "tail”.

Ursa Minor contains Polaris, the North Star, which appears nearly stationary while other stars rotate around it, making it invaluable for navigation.

1590s: first appeared in English referring specifically to the North Star or Ursa Minor constellation, in the early 1600s extended to mean any guiding principle or point of reference.

1600s-1700s: developed the figurative meaning of "center of attention" or "object of admiration".

The same Greek root appears in “cynic” (originally "dog-like" philosophers) and “cynical” (having a dog-like, snarling attitude).

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CENTRES OF ATTENTION

Walk into any restaurant and there's usually one table that draws your eye—maybe it's the dress of the guests, the animated conversation, the distinctive lighting, a dog under the table.

Being aware of cynosures around us can make us better at creating spaces, experiences, or even conversations that draw others in and keep their attention. They also serve as a warning,… to also look around and to notice that which may be hiding from immediate view…

Just as the North Star guides travelers, every space has its own guiding light—but sometimes, the real magic lies in the constellations we almost overlook!

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS


beacon, bright star, center of attention (of attraction), CYNOSURE, focal point, focus (of admiration, of attention), guiding/leading light (star), loadstar, north/polar star, polestar, prime focus, principal/star attraction, shining light

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation today, say something like:

“Walking into your office, what’s the CYNOSURE—the immediate focus of attention—for a new visitor?”

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P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D

On evenings and weekends, I research and write your daily OWAD newsletter together with Helga—my lovely wife and coaching partner—and our eagle-eyed daughter, Jennifer.

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Thanks so much,

Paul, Helga, & Jenny Smith

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