fascination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fascination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong interest or attraction to something. Example: "Her fascination with ancient history led her to pursue a degree in archaeology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Bellos's fascination with his subject is itself endlessly fascinating.

The Economist

He was fascinated by it.It is not clear when this fascination began, but the would-be-Dr Kevorkian surely had it by the time he was attending the University of Michigan Medical School.

The Economist

Judging by opinion polls, the views of the country's main political parties and the ongoing fascination with the House of Windsor in Irish newspapers, magazines, television and radio programmes, the overwhelming majority welcome the arrival of the Queen.

The Guardian

Jacobs had retained a fascination with the duo ever since seeing the video to U.G.L.Y and wondering who these two sparky girls were, having so much fun while sounding completely out of step with the musical trends of the time.

The Guardian - Music

He describes the latter as "an incurious 'presentism' – combining a lack of historical sense, a pervasive contempt for the wisdom of the past, a fascination with novelty simply because it is new and a propensity to over-react to every ephemeral focus group finding or tabloid whim".

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather than an opaque carapace, it offers continually changing glimpses through and across its surfaces that, as well as creating simple visual fascination, communicate a sense of its inner life.

The Guardian - Arts

They were explicitly pornographic, of the gonzo not vanilla variety, and audience members (particularly school children) spent much of the day pouring over them with fascination.

The Guardian

Culturally we're seeing a growing fascination with all things posh, and let's face it, you can't get more camp than the British aristocracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

While fashion in 2014 has swapped mega-platforms and 10in stilettos for midi-heels and pool sliders, extreme footwear, and our fascination with it, is in focus at the museum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fascination he holds is that this aura appears to be both natural and spontaneous.

The Guardian - Film

Ged Feltham, managing director of Portobello Road Gin, explains the fascination with gin in the capital: "It's London's spirit – a history of gin is a history of London".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fascination", consider the intensity of the interest you want to convey. Choose a synonym like "interest" for milder cases, or "obsession" for stronger, potentially unhealthy fixations.

Common error

Avoid using "fascination" when a simpler term like "interest" would suffice. Overusing "fascination" can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Consider the context and choose the most appropriate word to convey the level of interest or captivation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fascination" is as a noun. It typically refers to a state of being intensely interested in something, or something that causes such a state. Ludwig's examples demonstrate usage in diverse sentences, further clarifying its function and meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Fascination, as determined by Ludwig AI, functions primarily as a noun expressing a state of intense interest or captivation. It is grammatically correct and very common in usage, appearing frequently in news and media sources. While generally neutral to formal, context dictates appropriateness, ranging from general interest to more scholarly discussions. Ludwig's analysis indicates a versatility suitable for describing diverse engaging subjects, cautioning against overuse in contexts where a simpler term like "interest" suffices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captivation

This term is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of being charmed or enthralled.

enthralment

Highlights the feeling of being completely captivated and spellbound.

enchantment

This word suggests a magical or mystical quality that evokes delight and wonder.

allurement

This term highlights the power to attract or entice, often with a subtle or irresistible charm.

intrigue

This word suggests a sense of mystery or complexity that piques curiosity and interest.

attraction

This term is a general expression of being drawn to something or someone.

obsession

This implies a preoccupation or fixation that may be irrational or unhealthy.

preoccupation

This indicates being absorbed in thought or attention, sometimes to the exclusion of other things.

absorption

This suggests being fully immersed or engaged in something, often losing track of time or surroundings.

interest

This is a more general term for curiosity or concern about something.

FAQs

What does "fascination" mean?

"Fascination" describes a state of being intensely interested in something, often to the point of being captivated or enthralled.

How can I use "fascination" in a sentence?

You can say, "Her fascination with ancient history led her to become an archaeologist." Or, "The magician's tricks held the audience in a state of fascination."

What can I say instead of "fascination"?

You can use alternatives like "captivation", "enchantment", or "intrigue" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "fascination" and "interest"?

"Fascination" implies a stronger, more intense level of interest than simply "interest". Fascination suggests being captivated or enthralled, while interest is a more general term.