be captivated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be captivated by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something has intrigued or enthralled you and you want to describe how you feel about it. For example, "I was captivated by the beautiful views from the mountain peak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You can't help but be captivated by her.

The New York Times

Audiences are likely to be captivated by the lavish photography.

The New York Times

We're meant to be captivated by this inspired and inventive malapropist.

The New York Times

For assorted reasons, however, friends may not exactly be captivated by the prospect.

The New York Times

One is sure to be captivated by this meticulously enhanced wine, a true sparkling diamond.

The New Yorker

Would anyone be captivated by an all-male sequel to "Reading Women"?

The New York Times - Books

I'm certainly not the first shopper to be captivated by cameos.

The New York Times

But you don't want to be captivated by it so much that you start to rely on it.

The New York Times - Sports

Some readers will be captivated by the labyrinthine structure of the nucleus, others may find this hard to understand.

The Economist

"New York history buffs will be captivated by Shorto's descriptions of Manhattan in its primordial state," Kevin Baker wrote here.

The New York Times

But voters appeared to be captivated by Ms. Granholm's record on crime and her savvy, personal campaign style.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be captivated by" to describe a strong, often sudden, feeling of fascination or enchantment. It implies that something has captured your attention and held it firmly.

Common error

Avoid using "be captivated by" in contexts where a simpler word like "interested" or "impressed" would suffice. The phrase conveys a strong sense of enchantment, which might be inappropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be captivated by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state of being deeply attracted or enthralled by something. It expresses that someone or something is the recipient of a captivating influence. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying a sense of fascination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Books

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Travel

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be captivated by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a strong sense of fascination or enchantment. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for expressing that something has deeply intrigued or enthralled you. Found predominantly in News & Media sources, the phrase functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state of being deeply attracted. While it's a neutral phrase, leaning towards formal, it should be used judiciously to avoid overuse in contexts where simpler alternatives might suffice. Consider related phrases like "be enthralled by" or "be fascinated by" to add nuance to your writing. Ultimately, mastering the use of "be captivated by" enhances your ability to articulate profound engagement and wonder in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be enthralled by

Implies a deeper level of fascination and absorption, often suggesting a magical or spellbound quality.

be spellbound by

Similar to mesmerized, suggesting a magical or enchanted state of captivation.

be mesmerized by

Implies a hypnotic and trance-like state of fascination.

be fascinated by

Suggests a strong interest and intrigue, focusing on intellectual stimulation.

be enchanted by

Implies a sense of delight and charm, often associated with beauty or wonder.

be charmed by

Suggests a pleasant and gentle attraction, often due to someone's personality or behavior.

be intrigued by

Highlights the element of mystery or curiosity that draws someone's attention.

be drawn to

Indicates a magnetic pull or irresistible attraction towards something or someone.

find appealing

Expresses a general sense of liking or attractiveness.

be allured by

Suggests a tempting or seductive attraction.

FAQs

How can I use "be captivated by" in a sentence?

You can use "be captivated by" to describe a strong feeling of fascination or enchantment. For example, "I was captivated by the intricate details of the painting", or "The audience seemed to "be captivated by" the performance".

What are some alternatives to "be captivated by"?

Alternatives to "be captivated by" include "be enthralled by", "be fascinated by", "be enchanted by", or "be mesmerized by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be captivated by" in formal writing?

Yes, "be captivated by" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to convey a sense of deep fascination or enchantment. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a simpler alternative might be more suitable. For example, "The researchers were "be intrigued by" the findings".

What is the difference between "be captivated by" and "be interested in"?

"Be interested in" indicates a general feeling of interest or curiosity, while "be captivated by" suggests a much stronger, more intense level of fascination and enchantment. "Be captivated by" implies that something has completely captured your attention and held it firmly, while "be interested in" is a milder expression.