captivating

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "captivating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is attractive or compelling. For example, "The sunset was absolutely captivating, with its vibrant colors and peaceful atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are captivating images of being held captive.Mr Shore finds that teaching improves his own work because he exercises his creative faculties when he strains to see through his students' eyes.

The Economist

If you were going to build a world, there are a million ways you could make it strange and captivating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Be warned: if you're feeling vulnerable and watch it enough times it's actually quite captivating.

The Guardian - Music

Returning home via the notoriously captivating Settle-Carlisle line, we had stocked up with copious treats, nabbed a table and were tucking into a magnificent spread while the snowclad Pennine hills slipped past us, their milky slopes as one with a pure white sky.

The Guardian - Travel

He glitters as the wicked Cesare Borgia, giving him a quick wit and devilish panache, which leaves the movie's supposed hero, Tyrone Power, struggling to appear anywhere near as captivating as its villain.

The Guardian - Film

He read an address from the Battle of the Alamo and the speech was so captivating that David Duval stormed out of the room shouting: "Let's go out and kill them!" Buoyed by a favourable draw and a boisterous home crowd, USA won the first six matches of the day.

The Guardian - Sport

Part travel writing, part adventure, and part conservation, the story is captivating and informative.

The Guardian

@mumbaipaused is a feed full of human stories and captivating images from the Indian metropolis.

The Guardian

Not since Ned Kelly donned his iron bucket and tear-arsed around the bush was there somebody so aesthetically captivating.

The Guardian - Film

That the table is so congested after the opening seven rounds, with no team really cut adrift at the foot of the table, makes things even more captivating.

The Guardian - Sport

The rich layers of Stockhausen's "Gruppen" are captivating.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "captivating" to describe something that not only attracts attention but also holds it in a delightful or intriguing way. It's more than just attractive; it's fascinating and absorbing.

Common error

Avoid using "captivating" to describe everyday or unremarkable things. Reserve it for situations where genuine fascination or enchantment is involved; otherwise, opt for simpler adjectives like "interesting" or "pleasant".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "captivating" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that has the ability to capture and hold attention. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its adjectival use, confirming its role in enhancing descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "captivating" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that attracts and holds attention in a delightful way. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its presence in a broad spectrum of contexts, from news and media to science and formal writing. While it's a powerful descriptor, be mindful of overuse in mundane contexts. Semantically related alternatives include "enthralling", "fascinating", and "engrossing", each offering a slightly different nuance. By understanding these subtleties, you can wield "captivating" with precision and enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthralling

Similar in meaning, but with a stronger emphasis on holding someone's attention completely.

fascinating

Emphasizes the intriguing and interesting nature of something.

engrossing

Highlights the depth of involvement and absorption.

riveting

Suggests something that is intensely interesting and holds your attention firmly.

arresting

Implies a sudden and strong attraction or impact.

charming

Focuses on the delightful and pleasing qualities of something.

alluring

Suggests a tempting and seductive quality.

enchanting

Emphasizes a magical or delightful quality that captivates.

spellbinding

Highlights the power to hold someone's attention as if under a spell.

compelling

Emphasizes the irresistible force that attracts attention.

FAQs

How can I use "captivating" in a sentence?

You can use "captivating" to describe something that attracts and holds your attention. For example, "The performance was absolutely captivating" or "She has a captivating smile".

What words can I use instead of "captivating"?

Alternatives to "captivating" include "enthralling", "fascinating", or "engrossing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "captivating" or "captivative"?

"Captivating" is the correct adjective form. "Captivative" is not a standard English word.

What is the difference between "captivating" and "interesting"?

"Captivating" implies a strong and delightful attraction that holds your attention, while "interesting" simply means something arouses curiosity or attention without necessarily being delightful or deeply engaging.