Attract: meaning, definitions and examples

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attract

[əˈtrækt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to draw interest or attention

To cause (someone) to be interested in something or to feel a strong liking for someone or something.

Synonyms

captivate, charm, entice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
attract	This word is commonly used when talking about drawing attention or interest to something, often without any deeper emotional connection. The bright colors of the flowers attract bees. The job offer attracted many applicants.
entice	This word is best used when someone or something is being lured or tempted, often implying a sense of persuasion or inducement. It can carry a slightly negative or manipulative connotation. The advertisement enticed him to buy the product. The aroma of fresh bread enticed her into the bakery.
charm	This word is often used when someone or something is pleasing or delightful, usually leading to a positive emotional response. It often involves a sense of elegance or grace. She charmed everyone at the party with her wit and smile. The quaint little town charmed its visitors.
captivate	Use this word when you want to describe something or someone capturing complete attention or interest in a more emotionally engaging way. The magician's performance captivated the audience. Her storytelling skills captivated all her listeners.

Examples of usage

Her bright smile always attracts a lot of attention.
The new marketing campaign is designed to attract more customers to the store.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to pull or draw towards oneself

To cause (something) to come near or adhere by physical force.

Synonyms

draw, pull.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
attract	Use 'attract' when describing something that pulls interest or attention towards itself, often in a positive way. The new amusement park is expected to attract thousands of visitors Her speech managed to attract a lot of media attention
draw	This can be used similarly to 'attract,' but it often implies a more subtle or gradual process of pulling attention or interest. The artist's work began to draw large crowds to the gallery The smell of freshly baked bread drew customers into the bakery
pull	Use 'pull' to describe a more physical or forceful act of bringing something or someone towards something else. It often has a stronger, more direct connotation. He tried to pull his friend away from the fight The horse pulled the cart up the hill

Word

Description / Examples

attract

Use 'attract' when describing something that pulls interest or attention towards itself, often in a positive way.

The new amusement park is expected to attract thousands of visitors
Her speech managed to attract a lot of media attention

draw

This can be used similarly to 'attract,' but it often implies a more subtle or gradual process of pulling attention or interest.

The artist's work began to draw large crowds to the gallery
The smell of freshly baked bread drew customers into the bakery

pull

Use 'pull' to describe a more physical or forceful act of bringing something or someone towards something else. It often has a stronger, more direct connotation.

He tried to pull his friend away from the fight
The horse pulled the cart up the hill

Examples of usage

The magnet attracts metal objects.
The flowers attract butterflies with their nectar.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'attrahere', which means 'to pull towards'.
It was first used in English in the early 15th century, initially in a physical sense.
Over time, it evolved to include emotional and social meanings, such as attracting friendships and interests.

Science

In physics, attraction refers to the force that pulls objects together, such as gravity pulling us toward the Earth.
Electromagnetic forces can attract certain materials, explaining how magnets work.
Chemically, certain elements attract each other to form compounds, showcasing how attraction is essential in creating matter.

Psychology

People are often attracted to others based on shared interests and values, which fosters relationships.
The law of attraction suggests that thinking positively can help bring positive experiences into your life.
Physical appearance can initially attract attention, but deeper connections grow through personality and shared experiences.

Pop Culture

In the world of dating apps, many people are looking for connections based on attraction to personalities and appearances.
Movies often portray romantic attraction, showing characters drawn to each other despite obstacles.
Famous songs have explored themes of attraction, emphasizing its emotional and sometimes complicated nature.

Literature

Classic literature often depicts attraction as a driving force in character relationships, such as in 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Poets have long used vivid imagery and metaphors to express the feeling of attraction in their work.
Attraction can symbolize deeper themes in narratives, representing the pull between duty and desire.

Translations

Translations of the word "attract" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atrair

🇮🇳 आकर्षित करना

🇩🇪 anziehen

🇮🇩 menarik

🇺🇦 приваблювати

🇵🇱 przyciągać

🇯🇵 引きつける

🇫🇷 attirer

🇪🇸 atraer

🇹🇷 cezbetmek

🇰🇷 끌다

🇸🇦 جذب

🇨🇿 přitahovat

🇸🇰 priťahovať

🇨🇳 吸引

🇸🇮 privlačiti

🇮🇸 draga að sér

🇰🇿 тарту

🇬🇪 მიზიდვა

🇦🇿 cəlb etmək

🇲🇽 atraer

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,753, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4750 parliament
4751 click
4752 bankruptcy
4753 attract
4754 creditor
4755 pulmonary
4756 crowded
...