captivating gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

"captivating gaze" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something that is very attractive and hard to look away from, such as a person's eyes. For example: "He fixed her with a captivating gaze, and she couldn't look away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She is played by Isabella Rossellini, no less, and, toward the end, there are a couple of expressions in that captivating gaze of hers which are so brimful of love, understanding, and pity that you hardly know where to turn.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

With or without a telescope, there's something so captivating about gazing up into the majestic celestial abyss.

The New Yorker

Captivated by her gaze and chiseled physique, he cold-called Copeland's agent to see if he could book a shoot with the ballerina.

Huffington Post

He's the perfect leading man — captivating, graceful, surpassingly handsome, an image of perfection — and the audience gazes upon him "rapt in self-forgetful absorption".

The New Yorker

"Who is this angel?" he recalled thinking, captivated by Mr. Russell's gaze, which he said "radiated kindness".

The New York Times

The first idea is explored here in a simple but captivating diptych of photographs in which a man and a woman sitting next to each other gaze into separate, adjacent cameras.

The New York Times - Arts

He found it captivating.

The New York Times - Magazine

The effect was captivating.

The Guardian - Music

But Appo is captivating.

The New York Times - Books

She was captivating".

The Guardian

And it is captivating.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "captivating gaze" to describe a look that holds someone's attention completely, often due to its beauty or intensity. For instance, in describing a character's reaction in a novel or a performer's stage presence.

Common error

Avoid using "captivating gaze" when a simpler description of someone's look would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or contrived; reserve it for moments where the gaze truly has a profound effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "captivating gaze" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "captivating" modifies the noun "gaze". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly employed to portray something exceptionally attractive and difficult to divert one's eyes from, often describing a person's eyes or look.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "captivating gaze" describes a look that is so attractive or intense that it holds someone's attention completely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and used to describe an entrancing or alluring quality, typically found in News & Media contexts. While perhaps not an everyday phrase, choosing semantically related alternatives, such as "alluring stare" or "mesmerizing look", can add nuance to your writing. When using the phrase, remember to reserve it for truly powerful or significant moments, otherwise you risk sounding overdramatic. To summarize, use the phrase when the "captivating gaze" genuinely embodies a person's power to draw the attention of their beholder.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irresistible gaze

Emphasizes the impossibility of resisting the gaze.

riveting gaze

Emphasizes how attention-grabbing and immobilizing the gaze is.

alluring stare

Emphasizes the seductive quality of the gaze.

arresting eyes

Similar to "captivating gaze", but puts more emphasis on an immediate, striking visual impact.

mesmerizing look

Highlights the hypnotic effect of the look.

bewitching stare

Implies a magical or enchanting quality to the stare.

enthralling eyes

Focuses on the eyes as the source of captivation.

fascinating eyes

Highlights the intrigue and interest evoked by the eyes.

magnetic glance

Suggests an irresistible pull or attraction.

charming look

Focuses on the pleasant and attractive aspect of the look.

FAQs

How can I use "captivating gaze" in a sentence?

You can use "captivating gaze" to describe a look that holds someone's attention due to its beauty, intensity, or mysterious quality. For example: "Her "captivating gaze" made it impossible for him to look away."

What are some alternatives to "captivating gaze"?

Alternatives to "captivating gaze" include "alluring stare", "mesmerizing look", or "enthralling eyes". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "captivating gaze" too strong a phrase for everyday use?

"Captivating gaze" is best reserved for situations where the look truly has a powerful effect. In casual conversation, simpler descriptions might be more appropriate.

How does "captivating gaze" differ from "magnetic glance"?

While both phrases describe an attractive look, "captivating gaze" implies a sustained, intense look that holds attention, whereas "magnetic glance" suggests a briefer, but equally irresistible, attraction.