Ravishing: meaning, definitions and examples

😍
Add to dictionary

ravishing

 

[ˈrævɪʃɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance, beauty

Ravishing refers to something that is extremely attractive or beautiful, often to the point of being stunning. This term is widely used to describe a person, especially a woman, who possesses a captivating allure or charm. It conveys an overwhelming sense of beauty that can leave an impression on others. The use of the word often implies a level of awe or admiration for the beauty in question.

Synonyms

beautiful, enchanting, gorgeous, striking, stunning.

Examples of usage

  • She looked ravishing in her evening gown.
  • The sunset was ravishing against the backdrop of the mountains.
  • His ravishing smile lit up the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'ravishing' comes from the Middle English term 'ravisshing,' derived from the Old French 'ravir,' meaning to 'carry away' or 'delight.'
  • It is related to the Latin word 'rapere,' which means 'to seize' or 'to grab,' indicating how beauty can captivate or take one's breath away.
  • The word evolved through time to evoke a sense of enchantment and allure in its most modern usage.

Literature

  • Ravishing descriptions often appear in poetry, illustrating profound admiration for beauty in nature, art, or people.
  • Famous literary works, like those by Shakespeare and Keats, frequently use 'ravishing' to describe characters or scenery that inspires love or admiration.
  • In romantic literature, ravishing moments are often pivotal in setting the tone for passionate relationships.

Pop Culture

  • 'Ravishing' is frequently used in fashion and beauty contexts, highlighting stunning models or designs in media.
  • Films and songs often reference 'ravishing' to describe love interests or breathtaking scenery, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.
  • Celebrity icons often described as ravishing can influence trends in beauty and style, setting standards in pop culture.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that perceiving beauty can trigger the release of dopamine, the 'feel-good' hormone, making us feel happy when we see someone or something ravishing.
  • Beauty perception is subjective, depending on cultural and personal factors, which means one may find different things ravishing.
  • The impact of beauty on our emotions can shape our experiences and interactions, making 'ravishing' a powerful descriptor.

Art

  • In visual art, 'ravishing' often describes pieces that captivate viewers with stunning colors, composition, or emotional depth.
  • Ravishing artworks can transcend mere aesthetics; they provoke thought and evoke deep feelings in the observer.
  • Art movements, such as Impressionism, aimed to create ravishing effects through light and color to evoke immediate emotional responses.

Translations

Translations of the word "ravishing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deslumbrante

🇮🇳 आकर्षक

🇩🇪 verführerisch

🇮🇩 menawan

🇺🇦 чарівний

🇵🇱 olśniewający

🇯🇵 魅力的な

🇫🇷 ravissant

🇪🇸 deslumbrante

🇹🇷 büyüleyici

🇰🇷 매혹적인

🇸🇦 مثير

🇨🇿 okouzlující

🇸🇰 očarujúci

🇨🇳 迷人的

🇸🇮 očarljiv

🇮🇸 heillandi

🇰🇿 сұлу

🇬🇪 მხიარული

🇦🇿 cazibədar

🇲🇽 deslumbrante

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,599, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.