captivated by

USAGE SUMMARY

"captivated by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is extremely interested and attentive to something. Example: I was captivated by the beautiful symphony.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But what we're most captivated by are the dancing marionettes.

Vice

He was "soon captivated by philosophy".

Independent

The boys are captivated by snow.

The New York Times

Keith Medenblik is captivated by the iPhone.

The New York Times - Tech

We all were captivated by the wines.

The New York Times - Food

And the kids were captivated by him.

Independent

I became captivated by the smells.

The New Yorker

But we were captivated by the auction.

The New York Times

Peggy was captivated by Venice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was captivated by it".

The New York Times - Arts

Isn't America captivated by underdogs?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "captivated by" to convey a sense of being deeply attracted and interested in something or someone. It suggests a strong emotional or intellectual connection.

Common error

Avoid using "captivated with" as it's less common and often considered incorrect. "Captivated by" is the standard and widely accepted form.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "captivated by" is to act as a predicate adjective describing the state of being deeply interested or charmed by something. Ludwig AI confirms this common usage. It is often used with a subject and a linking verb to express this state, as seen in examples like "I was captivated by the music."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "captivated by" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase to describe a state of being deeply attracted or interested. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to express a strong emotional or intellectual connection, evident in various contexts from news to personal narratives. While "captivated by" is preferred, it's important to avoid the less common "captivated with". Consider alternatives like "enthralled by" or "intrigued by" to add nuance. When writing, remember that "captivated by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for expressing deep interest or attraction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthralled by

Implies a sense of being completely spellbound or charmed, suggesting a stronger degree of captivation.

fascinated by

Suggests a strong interest and intrigue, often implying a desire to learn more about the subject.

intrigued by

Indicates curiosity and a desire to investigate or understand something mysterious or complex.

charmed by

Suggests a delightful and pleasing experience, often implying a personal connection or affection.

enchanted by

Implies a magical or otherworldly quality, suggesting a sense of wonder and delight.

spellbound by

Suggests a state of complete absorption and inability to look away, as if under a magical spell.

absorbed in

Implies being completely immersed in something, losing track of time and surroundings.

engrossed in

Suggests a deep level of concentration and focus, often implying a loss of awareness of other things.

mesmerized by

Implies a hypnotic or trance-like state, suggesting a powerful and compelling attraction.

hooked on

Suggests an addiction-like fascination, often implying a strong desire to continue experiencing something.

FAQs

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

Use "captivated by" to describe someone being deeply attracted or interested in something. For example, "I was captivated by the beautiful scenery".

What's the difference between "fascinated by" and "captivated by"?

"Captivated by" suggests a stronger emotional or aesthetic attraction, while "fascinated by" implies intellectual curiosity and interest.

What can I say instead of "captivated by"?

You can use alternatives like "enthralled by", "intrigued by", or "fascinated by" depending on the context.

Is "captivated by" formal or informal?

"Captivated by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for expressing deep interest or attraction.