Charm: meaning, definitions and examples

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charm

 

[ tʃɑːrm ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

beauty

Charm is the power or quality of delighting, attracting, or fascinating others.

Synonyms

allure, appeal, enchantment, magic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
charm

Typically used to describe someone's attractive personality or pleasant qualities. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

  • She won everyone over with her charm at the interview
  • His charm made him very popular among his peers
allure

Often used to describe a mysterious or captivating quality that attracts people. It can be applied to people, places, or objects.

  • The allure of the ancient city drew many tourists
  • Her exotic beauty had an undeniable allure
appeal

Used to describe a quality that makes something attractive or interesting. It can often be used in marketing, discussions of aesthetics, or when talking about someone's personality.

  • The appeal of the new smartphone lies in its innovative features
  • His honesty and passion added to his appeal
enchantment

This word is usually used to convey a sense of magical or spellbinding attraction. It’s often used in more imaginative or literary contexts.

  • The children's faces were full of enchantment as they listened to the fairy tale
  • The garden had an enchantment that made her feel peaceful
magic

Frequently used to describe an extraordinary, almost supernatural attraction or quality. It is often applied in fictional, fantasy, or very special real-life contexts.

  • The magician's performance was full of magic and left the audience in awe
  • There's a certain magic in the way she paints that captivates everyone

Examples of usage

  • She possessed a charm that captivated everyone she met.
  • His smile was full of charm and warmth.
  • The old house had a certain charm that made it unique.
Context #2 | Verb

enchantment

To charm means to attract or delight someone by one's personality, appearance, or behavior.

Synonyms

bewitch, captivate, enchant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
charm

Suitable for describing someone or something that has a pleasant and attractive quality that makes people like them. Often used in social interactions.

  • Her smile can charm anyone she meets.
  • The quaint village charms tourists with its simplicity.
captivate

Used to describe something that holds someone's attention because it is extremely interesting, exciting, or beautiful. Often suggests a complete absorption of attention.

  • The documentary captivated the viewers from start to finish.
  • Her performance captivated the audience.
enchant

Ideal for describing something that delights and fascinates people by being beautiful, interesting, or magical. It carries a positive connotation.

  • The fairy tale enchanted the children.
  • A beautiful melody can enchant listeners.
bewitch

Best used when describing a more magical or mysterious attraction, often with a sense of enchantment or spellbinding effect. It can have a slightly negative or eerie nuance.

  • The eerie music bewitched the audience, leaving them spellbound.
  • He was bewitched by her mysterious beauty.

Examples of usage

  • She charmed her way into getting a discount at the store.
  • His charisma charmed even the most skeptical of audiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "charm" in other languages:

🇵🇹 charme

🇮🇳 आकर्षण

🇩🇪 Charme

🇮🇩 pesona

🇺🇦 шарм

🇵🇱 urok

🇯🇵 魅力 (みりょく)

🇫🇷 charme

🇪🇸 encanto

🇹🇷 çekicilik

🇰🇷 매력 (魅力)

🇸🇦 جاذبية

🇨🇿 šarm

🇸🇰 pôvab

🇨🇳 魅力 (mèilì)

🇸🇮 čar

🇮🇸 þokki

🇰🇿 әсемдік

🇬🇪 მოსაზრება

🇦🇿 cazibə

🇲🇽 encanto

Etymology

The word 'charm' originated from the Latin word 'carmen', meaning 'song' or 'incantation'. In ancient times, charms were believed to possess magical powers to protect against evil or bring good luck. Over time, the meaning of 'charm' evolved to represent the power of attraction or delight. Today, charm is associated with qualities that captivate or enchant others.

See also: charmed, charmer, charming, charmingly, charms.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,626 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.