Attractive: meaning, definitions and examples

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attractive

[əˈtræktɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

appearance

Pleasing or appealing to the senses, especially the sense of sight. Something that is visually appealing or beautiful.

Synonyms

appealing, beautiful, captivating, charming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
attractive	Describing someone or something that looks good and is pleasant to look at, often used for both people and objects. She is an attractive woman with a warm smile. The new design of the car is very attractive.
appealing	Used when something or someone is inviting, interesting, or pleasing. Often implies that something is drawing one's interest or attention. The idea of a vacation by the beach sounds very appealing. His manners and humor make him very appealing.
charming	Describes someone or something that is pleasing and delightful in a way that often involves a sense of charisma or allure. It typically has a warm and pleasant connotation. The little village had a charming atmosphere. He’s a charming host who makes everyone feel welcome.
beautiful	Typically describes something or someone that is extremely pleasing to the senses or mind. It has a strong and positive connotation. The sunset over the mountains was beautiful. She wore a beautiful dress to the event.
captivating	Used for something or someone that holds your attention completely, often because it’s so interesting or attractive. It suggests a higher level of engagement. Her performance on stage was simply captivating. The story he told was so captivating that no one could stop listening.

Examples of usage

She has a very attractive smile.
The painting was so attractive that I couldn't stop looking at it.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

personality

Having qualities or characteristics that draw others towards oneself. Desirable or charming in a way that creates interest or admiration.

Synonyms

appealing, captivating, charming, engaging.

Examples of usage

His confident and friendly nature makes him very attractive.
She has a great sense of humor which is very attractive to others.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'attractivus', meaning 'drawing together' or 'pulling in'.
It has roots in the verb 'attract', which reflects the idea of pulling or drawing attention.
The 'tract' part relates to 'pull' in Latin, like in 'contract' and 'detract'.

Psychology

Studies show that people often find symmetrical faces more attractive, as symmetry is associated with health and vitality.
Attractiveness can influence people's perceptions in social settings, often leading to the 'halo effect' where attractive individuals are assumed to have better qualities.
Cultural standards of attractiveness vary widely, showing how societal norms shape what people find appealing.

Pop Culture

Many movies and TV shows spotlight the theme of beauty and attraction, often portraying love interests as the most visually appealing characters.
Social media platforms emphasize attractive visuals, leading to trends like filters and editing that shape digital beauty standards.
Brands strategically use attractive models to market products, believing beauty captures more attention and boosts sales.

Art

Throughout history, art has celebrated beauty, from the classical statues of ancient Greece to modern photography, drawing on ideals of what is attractive.
Artists often depict attractive subjects to evoke emotions, using beauty as a means to connect with audiences.
The concept of beauty in art can ignite discussions about standards and perceptions, reflecting cultural values.

Sociology

Attractiveness can impact social dynamics, with research indicating that good-looking individuals might have an advantage in job scenarios.
Social norms around attractiveness have led to movements promoting body positivity, challenging conventional beauty standards.
Community standards of attractiveness can shift over time, influenced by fashion trends, celebrities, and cultural changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "attractive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atraente

🇮🇳 आकर्षक

🇩🇪 attraktiv

🇮🇩 menarik

🇺🇦 привабливий

🇵🇱 atrakcyjny

🇯🇵 魅力的な

🇫🇷 attrayant

🇪🇸 atractivo

🇹🇷 çekici

🇰🇷 매력적인

🇸🇦 جذاب

🇨🇿 atraktivní

🇸🇰 atraktívny

🇨🇳 有吸引力的

🇸🇮 privlačen

🇮🇸 aðlaðandi

🇰🇿 тартымды

🇬🇪 მიმზიდველი

🇦🇿 cəlbedici

🇲🇽 atractivo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,011, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3008 competent
3009 closing
3010 indicating
3011 attractive
3012 blind
3013 implications
3014 boards
...