Enraptured: meaning, definitions and examples

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enraptured

[ɪnˈræptʃərd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling of deep pleasure or joy

Enraptured is a term used to describe a feeling of deep pleasure or joy that overwhelms the senses. It is often associated with being captivated by something beautiful, enchanting, or awe-inspiring.

Synonyms

captivated, delighted, enchanted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enraptured	See the first entry for usage and examples.
enchanted	Has a magical or whimsical connotation, often used in fairy tale or romantic scenarios. The children were enchanted by the magician’s tricks She was enchanted by the quaint charm of the old town
captivated	Often used when something or someone captures your full attention, usually through charm or beauty. The viewers were captivated by the beautiful landscape He was captivated by her mesmerizing eyes
delighted	Used in everyday situations to express great pleasure or happiness. She was delighted with her birthday present They were delighted to hear the good news

Examples of usage

I was enraptured by the breathtaking sunset over the ocean.
She was enraptured by the magical performance of the ballet dancers.
The music was so beautiful that it left the audience enraptured.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to fill with delight or joy

To enrapture means to fill someone with delight or joy, often to the point of overwhelming emotion. It can be used to describe the act of captivating or enchanting someone with beauty or excellence.

Synonyms

captivate, enthrall, mesmerize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enraptured	This word is often used in a poetic or romantic context, indicating someone being deeply moved or overwhelmingly delighted by something beautiful or awe-inspiring. She was enraptured by the symphony, losing herself in the music. The visitors were enraptured by the magnificent view of the mountains.
captivate	This word can be used in various contexts, from romantic situations to engaging performances or interesting stories. It implies capturing someone's interest or attention. The magician's tricks captivated the children. Her storytelling ability never failed to captivate the audience.
enthrall	Similar to 'captivate,' but often used in a more intense sense, suggesting a complete capture of attention and very strong interest. It can be used formally or in a literary context. The novel's intricate plot and vivid characters enthralled readers from start to finish. He was enthralled by her beauty and grace.
mesmerize	This word suggests a hypnotic or spellbinding effect, making it useful in describing something that completely engrosses someone. It may have a slightly magical or mysterious connotation. The dancer's movements were so graceful that the audience was mesmerized. He was mesmerized by the flickering flames of the fireplace.

Examples of usage

The artist's painting enraptured all who gazed upon it.
Her passionate speech enraptured the audience and moved them to tears.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'rapere', meaning to seize or take away, suggesting a state of being taken by joy.
In the 17th century, it began to be used in English to describe strong feelings of delight or joy.
Over time, it retained the connotation of being overwhelmed by positive emotions, linking it to the experience of ecstasy.

Literature

Many romance novels describe characters as enraptured when they meet their true love, highlighting the emotion's intense depth.
The term often appears in poetry to evoke feelings of bliss and transcendent beauty, especially in nature imagery.
Shakespeare used similar words to convey strong emotions, emphasizing the power of love and admiration in his works.

Psychology

Being enraptured can trigger the release of dopamine, the 'feel-good' chemical in the brain, associated with pleasure and reward.
This emotion can lead to a temporary state where individuals may lose track of time or their surroundings due to intense focus on what delights them.
Highly creative activities, such as listening to music or engaging in art, can produce a feeling of being enraptured due to their immersive nature.

Pop Culture

Songs and movies often portray characters who feel enraptured, suggesting a connection between love and happiness.
In popular music, many artists write about moments of being enraptured by love, portraying it as exhilarating and life-changing.
Social media posts often express enraptured feelings during significant life moments like weddings and graduations, emphasizing collective joy.

Art

Famous paintings often capture moments of enraptured joy, demonstrating how beauty in art can evoke strong emotional responses.
Artists like Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh aimed to depict moods of happiness and wonder in their works, reflecting the idea of being enraptured by nature.
The experience of viewing art can itself be enrapturing, leading audiences into a deeper appreciation of beauty and emotion.

Translations

Translations of the word "enraptured" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extasiado

🇮🇳 मंत्रमुग्ध

🇩🇪 entzückt

🇮🇩 terpukau

🇺🇦 зачарований

🇵🇱 zachwycony

🇯🇵 魅了された

🇫🇷 enchanté

🇪🇸 embelesado

🇹🇷 büyülenmiş

🇰🇷 황홀한

🇸🇦 مسحور

🇨🇿 uchvácený

🇸🇰 uchvátený

🇨🇳 着迷的

🇸🇮 očaran

🇮🇸 hrifinn

🇰🇿 таңғалған

🇬🇪 მოხიბლული

🇦🇿 heyran

🇲🇽 embelesado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,099, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26096 contriving
26097 aphorisms
26098 miscalculation
26099 enraptured
26100 overseen
26101 tarried
26102 furor
...