spellbound by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spellbound by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being fascinated or enchanted by something or someone. Example: "The audience was spellbound by the magician's incredible performance, unable to look away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

SPELLBOUND BY BEAUTY: Alfred Hitchcock and His Leading Ladies by Donald Spoto.

The New York Times - Books

I was spellbound by desire".

The New York Times - Magazine

Friedman was spellbound by the notion.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Johnny can get absolutely spellbound by his guests," he says.

The New Yorker

None have left anyone spellbound by the level of play.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone is humbled and spellbound by the sea.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

From childhood, I was spellbound by them, star struck.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And for once his groupies, spellbound by the cameramen, had not abandoned Khan onstage.

The New York Times - Magazine

But I was spellbound by the acting and the power it generated.

Independent

He held them spellbound by his description of the wonders of the new world.

The New Yorker

All of the women in the laundromat were spellbound by this romantic waltz.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spellbound by" to vividly describe a state of complete captivation. It works well when the subject is passive and the object of their attention is particularly enchanting or impressive. For example, "The audience was "spellbound by" the dancer's grace."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "spellbound by" with simply "spellbind". "Spellbind" is a verb, meaning to hold someone's attention as if by a magic spell, while "spellbound" is an adjective describing the state of being captivated. For example, "The magician's performance "spellbound" the audience" (verb) versus "The audience was "spellbound by" the magician's performance" (adjective).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spellbound by" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being completely captivated or enchanted by something. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its prevalent use in describing reactions to art, nature, or individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spellbound by" effectively conveys a state of intense captivation or enchantment. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. It functions as an adjective phrase and aims to express strong admiration. When using this phrase, consider alternatives such as "captivated by" or "enthralled by" for nuanced expression. Remember that "spellbind" is a verb, while "spellbound" is the adjective, and avoid misusing them. In summary, "spellbound by" is a reliable way to describe someone being utterly fascinated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captivated by

Expresses a similar feeling of being charmed or attracted, but may imply a more active drawing-in.

enthralled by

Similar to spellbound, but suggests a more intense and prolonged state of fascination.

mesmerized by

Implies a hypnotic or trance-like state of fascination.

fascinated by

A more general term for being very interested or attracted to something.

enchanted by

Suggests a magical or whimsical quality in what is captivating.

charmed by

Indicates a delightful or pleasing captivation.

intrigued by

Focuses on the element of mystery or curiosity that holds attention.

gripped by

Implies a strong and forceful hold on one's attention.

hooked on

An informal way of saying someone is very interested or addicted to something.

transfixed by

Suggests being held motionless by something amazing or shocking.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "spellbound by" something?

To be "spellbound by" something means you are so fascinated or enchanted by it that you are held completely captive by its allure. It implies a state of intense focus and admiration.

How can I use "spellbound by" in a sentence?

You can use "spellbound by" to describe someone's reaction to something captivating. For instance, "The children were "captivated by" the storyteller's tales" or "He was "mesmerized by" her beauty."

What are some alternatives to saying "spellbound by"?

Alternatives to "spellbound by" include phrases like "captivated by", "enthralled by", "mesmerized by", or "fascinated by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "spellbound by" formal or informal?

"Spellbound by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a relatively common and widely understood expression that can be used in various types of writing and speech.