Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Attract Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💫
Add to dictionary

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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'attract'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'attract' originated from the Latin word 'attractus', the past participle of 'attrahere', which means 'to draw, to pull'. The term has been in use since the 15th century and has evolved to represent the action of drawing interest or attention towards something or someone.

See also: attraction, attractions, attractive, attractively, attractiveness, attractor, attrition, unattractive, unattractively, unattractiveness.

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.