enthralled

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "enthralled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a state of being captivated or fascinated by something. Example: "The audience was enthralled by the magician's performance, unable to look away for even a moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New York City had enthralled, intimidated and deafened us with its roar of taxis and hollering vendors.

The Guardian - Music

Siân was "apprehensive" before watching the film but from "the moment the credits started to roll, we were enthralled, we were bang! back into it…" Jessica Gunning's performance, she enthuses, is phenomenal.

The Guardian - Film

Now, I know what you are thinking happened next, but this lad – who was enthralled to meet us Brits Abroad, who had actually ridden in the big red London buses he so adored and revered from afar – became the perfect guide.

The Guardian - Music

As he was Listening to Radio 4's Reunion series, film producer Stephen Woolley became enthralled by a group of working-class women involved in a historic event he'd never heard about: the Ford sewing machinists who went on strike in 1968.

The Guardian

"Because they aren't used to modern work – and they haven't interacted intensely with a living choreographer since, well, ever!" The Russian public was not universally enthralled by Duato's work, but not dismissive either, and abstract pieces such as Without Words and Duende won critical approval.

The Guardian

(A democracy that is bizarrely enthralled by middle-aged men shouting "POWER!!!" as they drive round corners).

The Guardian - Opinion

I was enthralled by this ghost story, which is, ultimately, a lament so heart-wrenching I had to delay the ending.

The Guardian - Books

Claire Messud's The Woman Upstairs (Virago) is a very cross book but the reader is enthralled by constantly wondering whether this most unreliable of narrators is unhinged.

The Guardian - Books

It's excellently written and has my grandchildren enthralled whenever we read it.

The Guardian

Dark, witty and painful, Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar has disturbed and enthralled readers from the moment it was published under a pseudonym in 1963 – months before the poet and writer killed herself.

The Guardian - Books

I wasn't enthralled by the pilot but I am a fan of Kaling, if not of rom coms, so I hope that later episodes will dispense with some of the more obvious humour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enthralled" to describe a state of intense pleasure or fascination. It's particularly effective when conveying a sense of wonder or captivation.

Common error

Avoid using "enthralled" in contexts where you mean simply interested or curious. "Enthralled" implies a stronger, more positive emotional response.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enthralled" is as an adjective, describing a state of being completely captivated or fascinated. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it often modifies nouns to indicate a strong emotional or intellectual engagement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enthralled" functions as an adjective signifying a state of intense captivation or fascination. As Ludwig AI reports, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts and used to describe great awe. The word's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey a sense of wonder and delight, though it's important to ensure it's used in contexts where this strong, positive emotion is truly intended. Alternatives like "captivated" or "mesmerized" can provide slightly different nuances to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captivated

Expresses a state of being strongly attracted or charmed, similar to "enthralled" but potentially less intense.

mesmerized

Implies a hypnotic or spellbound state, suggesting a stronger degree of fascination than "enthralled".

spellbound

Similar to "mesmerized", indicating a state of being completely under a spell or charm, with a sense of wonder.

fascinated

Indicates a strong interest or attraction, closely related to "enthralled" in meaning but slightly less emphatic.

charmed

Suggests a delightful or pleasing experience, often used in contexts where something is perceived as attractive or appealing.

entranced

Implies a state of being in a dreamlike or altered state of consciousness due to fascination.

riveted

Suggests being firmly fixed or held, implying intense focus and attention.

enchanted

Indicates being filled with delight or wonder, often associated with magical or whimsical experiences.

hooked

Informal term suggesting strong addiction or interest, implying being unable to stop paying attention.

absorbed

Indicates being completely engrossed or immersed, suggesting a deep level of attention and focus.

FAQs

How can I use "enthralled" in a sentence?

"Enthralled" describes a state of being completely captivated or fascinated. For example, "The audience was "enthralled" by the performance" or "He was "enthralled" by her beauty."

What's the difference between "enthralled" and "fascinated"?

"Fascinated" indicates strong interest, while "enthralled" suggests a deeper, more intense captivation, often with a sense of wonder or delight. The term "enthralled" is more elevated.

What are some synonyms for "enthralled"?

Synonyms for "enthralled" include "captivated", "mesmerized", "spellbound", and "entranced". Each carries a slightly different nuance of being deeply absorbed or charmed.

Is "enthralled" formal or informal?

"Enthralled" is generally considered a more formal term, suitable for both writing and speech when describing a state of deep captivation or fascination. It is not informal or slang.