was captivated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was captivated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong interest or fascination with something or someone. Example: "She was captivated by the beauty of the sunset as it painted the sky in vibrant colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Peggy was captivated by Venice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was captivated by it".

The New York Times - Arts

I was captivated by that face".

The Guardian - Arts

But he was captivated by music, too.

The New York Times

I was captivated by both of them..

The Guardian - Books

"I was captivated by her performances.

The New York Times - Style

Mr. Hochlerin was captivated by Ms. Singlevich.

The New York Times

Mathews, too, was captivated by Tinguely.

The New Yorker

Pawlyn was captivated by the project.

The New Yorker

He was captivated by Jimi Hendrix.

The New York Times

But Mr. Schifres was captivated by the little details.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was captivated by" to describe a strong, often immediate, sense of fascination or enchantment. This phrase is particularly effective when describing an emotional or aesthetic experience.

Common error

While "was captivated by" is widely acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "was interested in" or "found compelling" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was captivated by" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject experienced a strong feeling of attraction or fascination caused by someone or something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was captivated by" is a versatile and widely used expression to convey a strong feeling of fascination or enchantment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media. While alternatives like "was enthralled by" or "was fascinated by" exist, each carries a slightly different nuance. When using "was captivated by", remember that it suggests a powerful, often immediate, attraction. While generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing to maintain a professional tone. Considering its consistent usage and clear meaning, "was captivated by" remains a reliable and effective way to express deep interest and fascination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was enthralled by

Emphasizes a state of being completely fascinated, often suggesting a magical or enchanting quality.

was fascinated by

Focuses on intellectual interest and intrigue, suggesting a deep curiosity.

was charmed by

Implies a gentle and pleasing attraction, often due to someone's personality or attractiveness.

was enchanted by

Suggests a magical or otherworldly quality that causes strong attraction and delight.

was entranced by

Indicates a state of being spellbound or mesmerized, losing oneself in the object of attention.

was beguiled by

Suggests being charmed in a deceptive or misleading way, often used in a literary context.

was mesmerized by

Implies a hypnotic or spellbinding effect, holding attention completely.

was allured by

Focuses on the enticing or tempting quality that draws someone in.

found irresistible

Highlights the compelling nature of something, making it impossible to resist.

was drawn to

Indicates a natural inclination or attraction towards something, often without a specific reason.

FAQs

How can I use "was captivated by" in a sentence?

You can use "was captivated by" to describe a state of strong attraction or fascination. For example, "She was captivated by the intricate details of the painting" or "He was captivated by her intelligence and wit".

What are some alternatives to saying "was captivated by"?

Alternatives include "was enthralled by", "was fascinated by", or "was charmed by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "captivated by" stronger than "interested in"?

Yes, "captivated by" is significantly stronger than "interested in". "Captivated by" suggests a deep and compelling fascination, while "interested in" simply implies a degree of curiosity or attention.

What is the difference between "was captivated by" and "was beguiled by"?

"Was captivated by" generally suggests a positive and genuine attraction, while "was beguiled by" implies being charmed or deceived, often in a subtle or manipulative way.