Captivate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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captivate
[หkรฆptษชหveษชt ]
Definitions
in a conversation
To attract and hold the attention of someone by being interesting, charming, or entertaining.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| captivate |
Use when describing something or someone that strongly attracts and holds the interest and attention of others.
|
| charm |
Best used when referring to a pleasing or attractive quality that evokes affection or delight. It often implies a softer, more personal appeal.
|
| enchant |
Typically used when describing something or someone that utterly delights or mesmerizes, often with a magical or spell-like quality.
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| fascinate |
Ideal for situations where something arouses intense interest or curiosity, often to the point of being irresistible.
|
Examples of usage
- She captivated the audience with her storytelling.
- His charisma captivated everyone in the room.
- Their performance captivated the judges.
in a romantic context
To attract and hold the interest and affection of someone in a romantic or sexual way.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| captivate |
Use in situations where something or someone attracts and holds your attention due to charm or beauty. Often used in a positive sense.
|
| bewitch |
Best suited for situations where something or someone seems to have a magical hold over you, often making you feel enchanted or enchanted. This term can have a slightly negative or mysterious connotation.
|
| mesmerize |
Often used when someone or something holds you spellbound or hypnotized. This word carries a strong implication of being unable to look away. It can sometimes have a slightly negative or overpowering connotation.
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| entrance |
Use when something or someone makes you feel absorbed or hypnotized, often to the point where you lose awareness of your surroundings. This word can convey a sense of deep, almost magical absorption.
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Examples of usage
- He was captivated by her beauty.
- She captivated him with her smile.
- They were both captivated by each other's presence.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that compelling storytelling significantly increases engagement and captivates audiences, making them more receptive to messages.
- Visual elements, such as colors or images, can enhance the captivating quality of an experience, drawing people in more effectively than words alone.
- The concept of 'flow' in psychology describes a state where one is fully immersed in an activity, often a result of being captivated by it.
Literature
- Many classic novels employ captivating narratives that draw readers into the charactersโ emotions and circumstances.
- Authors like Shakespeare and Jane Austen are often praised for their ability to captivate audiences with their rich, detailed storytelling.
- The use of cliffhangers and suspenseful moments in literature serves to captivate readers, making them eager to turn the page.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV shows often use drama and conflict to captivate viewers and keep them hooked from episode to episode.
- Magicians and performers utilize captivating tricks to hold the audience's attention, making it hard for them to look away.
- Popular music often employs catchy hooks and rhythms that captivate listeners, turning songs into hits.
Education
- Teachers who use engaging teaching methods capture students' attention, making learning experiences more effective.
- Interactive lessons that involve discussion and hands-on activities are known to captivate learners much more than traditional lectures.
- Educators often employ storytelling and real-life applications to captivate students and enhance their understanding of complex subjects.
Origin of 'captivate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'captivate' comes from the Latin 'captivus,' meaning 'to capture.'
- It began to be used in English around the late 16th century, indicating someone who has been captured, often in a metaphorical sense.
- Related words include 'capture' and 'captor,' both emphasizing the idea of seizing attention or possession.
The word 'captivate' originated from the Latin word 'captivare', which means 'to take captive'. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to signify attracting and holding someone's attention or affection. The concept of captivation has been a key element in human interaction and storytelling throughout history, as people have always sought to captivate one another with their words and actions.