Captivating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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captivating
[หkรฆptษชveษชtษชล ]
Definition
enthralling
Captivating means capable of attracting and holding interest or attention. It describes something that is fascinating, enchanting, or captivating in a way that captures one's imagination.
Synonyms
charming, enchanting, engrossing, fascinating.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| captivating |
Used to describe something that catches and holds your interest because it is very attractive or interesting.
|
| enchanting |
Often used to describe something that is delightful and magical in a way that completely holds your attention.
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| fascinating |
Used to describe something that is extremely interesting and makes you want to find out more about it.
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| engrossing |
Describes something that fully occupies your mind or attention, so much that you are unaware of your surroundings.
|
| charming |
Used when describing someone or something that has a pleasant and attractive personality or appearance.
|
Examples of usage
- Her captivating smile immediately drew everyone's attention.
- The movie had a captivating storyline that kept the audience engaged throughout.
- The artist's captivating performance left the audience in awe.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Captivating experiences often involve surprise or novelty, which are key ingredients in keeping attention.
- Research shows that captivating stimuli can enhance memory retention, making information more memorable.
Literature
- Many classic novels strive for captivating storytelling, drawing readers deep into the characters and plots.
- Dramatic tension in plays often aims to create moments that are captivating, holding the audience's attention until the last act.
Art
- Artists use vivid colors and striking compositions to create captivating pieces that invoke strong emotions.
- Captivating performances in dance or theater rely on expressiveness and engagement to pull the audience in.
Pop Culture
- Popular films often feature captivating plots with twists that leave audiences eager for more.
- Social media influencers must create captivating content to maintain followersโ interest and engagement.
Origin of 'captivating'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'captivus', meaning 'taken prisoner', reflecting how something can 'capture' your interest.
- The word was first used in English around the late 16th century, initially in contexts related to being enchanted or amazed.
The word 'captivating' originated from the verb 'captivate', which comes from the Latin word 'captivare', meaning 'to capture'. The idea of captivating someone or something dates back to ancient times when the concept of capturing attention or interest was highly valued. Over the years, 'captivating' has evolved to describe the ability to attract and hold one's attention in a captivating manner.
See also: captivated, captivatingly, captivation.