captivation

USAGE SUMMARY

'captivation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of being completely engrossed in something, particularly emotions or activities. For example, "The audience was in complete captivation as the actress spoke on stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

On the other hand, against these and similar incidents must be put the captivation of "General" Marsh, a local leader of the extremely republican Ossewabrandwag, the hospitality shown by the Nationalist mayor of Pretoria, and the attitude of the Nationalist press, which, with the exception of Die Transvaler, gave full space to stories of the visit.

The Economist

(Marston's interest in what he called "captivation emotion" informs the bondage in Wonder Woman).

The New Yorker

"Nearly all the sophomores reported excited pleasantness of captivation emotion throughout the party," Marston reported.

The New Yorker

As with the New Yorker itself, you will be torn between the utters of captivation and boredom.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Contrast such excitement and captivation with the nature of the New York Red Bulls' semi-final tie, and the Crew's standing as MLS's entertainers-in-chief is further underlined.

The Guardian - Sport

What Sutherland finds in the landscape is quite different, of course, from Palmer's joy in every cowslip, but it is still a form of captivation.

The Guardian - Arts

His captivation by the macho glamour of the Bush White House would have been laughable were it not so abject.

The Guardian

Or more true to his, anyway, through the provision of "submission and domination and captivation".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

So begins another of Sullivan's captivations.

The New Yorker

While the choral quality of these voices is almost certainly deliberate — and a bold move, conceptually — the technique can be exhausting, like finding oneself cornered at a diplomatic reception by a tag-team of Old World intellectuals who tirelessly discuss their motherland's history and politics and the captivations and abominations of the New World.

The New York Times - Books

Due to the title's growth and proven reader captivation 61% of readers have reported remembering the advertisements Kotok says the title hasn't had to discount their advertising rates to the degree that other periodicals have.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "captivation" when you want to emphasize a state of intense absorption or fascination, often driven by emotion or aesthetic appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "captivation" when you mean "capture". "Capture" refers to physically seizing or obtaining something, while "captivation" describes a mental or emotional state of being enchanted or fascinated.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "captivation" is as a noun, denoting the state or act of being captivated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable word, often referring to a state of being completely engrossed in something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "captivation" functions as a noun to describe a state of intense fascination or enthrallment. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and frequently used term across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "fascination" and "enchantment" exist, it's important to distinguish "captivation" from "capture". The term carries a neutral register, making it suitable for varied contexts. Use "captivation" when you want to emphasize an intense level of absorption driven by emotion or aesthetic appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fascination

This term is a direct synonym, denoting a strong interest or attraction.

enchantment

Implies a magical quality that delights and captivates.

engrossment

The state of being completely occupied or absorbed.

enthrallment

Suggests being completely captivated and held spellbound.

absorption

Indicates being fully engrossed or immersed in something.

interest

A general term for wanting to know more about something.

allurement

Emphasizes the quality of being attractive and enticing.

charm

Refers to a pleasing quality that attracts and delights.

attraction

The act or power of causing someone to be drawn to something.

appeal

A quality that makes something attractive or interesting.

FAQs

How can I use "captivation" in a sentence?

You can use "captivation" to describe a state of being completely fascinated or enthralled. For instance, "The movie held the audience in complete captivation."

What are some synonyms for "captivation"?

Some synonyms for "captivation" include "fascination", "enchantment", and "enthrallment". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar sense of being deeply absorbed or charmed.

Is "captivation" a formal word?

"Captivation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news articles, books, and everyday conversation to describe a state of being fascinated.

What is the difference between "captivation" and "attraction"?

"Attraction" refers to the quality of causing interest or liking, while "captivation" implies a more intense and sustained state of being completely fascinated or enthralled. "Attraction" can lead to captivation.