Fascinating: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'fascinare', meaning to enchant or hold under a spell.
• Over time, it evolved into Old French as 'fasciner' before becoming part of the English language.
• The core idea relates to being spellbound or captivated, indicating a powerful allure.

Psychology

• Research shows that fascinating topics can activate the brain's reward system, making learning more enjoyable.
• People are more likely to engage with subjects they find captivating, which enhances memory retention.
• Curiosity, closely linked to fascination, drives exploration and creativity in both children and adults.

Pop Culture

• Popular documentaries often highlight fascinating aspects of science and nature to draw in viewers.
• Films and books that explore unique or bizarre stories tend to use the word 'fascinating' in marketing to attract audiences.
• The phrase 'fascinating glimpse' is often used to build intrigue about historical events in literature.

Literature

• Authors like Neil Gaiman and Haruki Murakami frequently weave fascinating themes of magic and reality in their narratives.
• Classical literature often describes characters or places as fascinating to enhance the reader's imagination.
• Poets have used the idea of fascination to express human experiences and emotions, making their works memorable.

Education

• Teachers often encourage students to explore fascinating topics to foster a love for learning.
• Educational programs increasingly incorporate interactive and fascinating elements to engage students better.
• Studies show that when lessons are designed around fascinating content, students achieve higher academic success.

At #6,802 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 6799 expedient
• 6800 horrible
• 6801 weigh
• 6802 fascinating
• 6803 linen
• 6804 shrugged
• 6805 spiral
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