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captivating

adjective

/ˈkæp təˌveɪ tɪŋ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of captivating

Having an irresistibly compelling and engaging quality.
"The documentary presented a captivating insight into the lives of the indigenous people."

Detailed meaning of captivating

It suggests the ability to seize and hold one's attention, arousing a deep sense of fascination and interest. When something or someone is described as captivating, it means they have a powerful allure that enchants and mesmerizes others. It goes beyond mere interest or appeal and encompasses the ability to captivate, enthrall, and enchant through their charm, beauty, or compelling presence. Captivating experiences or individuals possess an undeniable magnetic pull, drawing others into their world and leaving a lasting impression. The adjective "captivating" signifies a captivating force that engages and enthralls, evoking a sense of wonder and making it difficult to look away or resist its charm.

Example sentences containing captivating

1. Her captivating smile lit up the room, drawing everyone's attention effortlessly.
2. The book’s captivating narrative had readers from all ages absolutely enthralled.
3. With captivating charm, the young dancer stole the audience’s hearts gracefully.
4. Every scene in the film was captivating, holding viewers on the edge of seats.
5. Captivating melodies filled the air, enchanting everyone within hearing distance.
6. The artist's captivating works are lauded globally, blending colors brilliantly.

History and etymology of captivating

The adjective 'captivating' has its etymological roots in the verb 'capture.' It is formed from the past participle of the verb 'capture,' which comes from the Latin word 'captus,' meaning 'taken' or 'seized.' To be 'captivating' is to possess an irresistibly compelling and engaging quality that figuratively 'captures' or seizes one's attention and interest. The term underscores the power of something to hold or enchant the mind, much like how an enthralling experience or an engaging story can captivate and hold one's focus. The etymology of 'captivating' highlights the idea that certain things or experiences have the ability to grasp our attention and imagination, making them truly captivating.

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Further usage examples of captivating

1. Amid nature, the captivating sunset paints the sky with hues of gold and crimson.
2. His voice was captivating, every word echoing with a richness hard to ignore.
3. The play’s captivating performance earned a standing ovation from the audience.
4. With a captivating aura, the city’s nightlife attracted visitors from everywhere.
5. Her captivating eyes told stories of worlds unseen, mysteries untold, depths unfathomed.
6. The garden's captivating beauty is a testament to the gardener’s skilled hands.
7. Every note of the captivating symphony enveloped the audience in pure emotion.
8. The speaker’s captivating words resonated, leaving a lasting imprint on minds.
9. A captivating spectacle, the festival was a blend of culture, colors, and crafts.
10. Mountains' captivating majesty, cloaked in snow, stand as nature’s masterpiece.
11. The poet’s captivating verses transcended time, echoing the human experience.
12. She wore a captivating gown that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow brightly.
13. A captivating serenity envelops the old library, a sanctuary of silent stories.
14. Their captivating love, evident and pure, was the stuff of legends and lore.
15. The sunset over the ocean was captivating, with its rich hues of gold and crimson.
16. Her captivating smile made everyone in the room feel warm and welcome.
17. The new science fiction novel has a captivating plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
18. The dance performance was so captivating that the audience gave a standing ovation.
19. His captivating storytelling turned a simple campfire gathering into a night to remember.
20. The artwork’s captivating blend of colors and textures drew the attention of everyone at the gallery.
21. The fragrance of the flowers in the garden was almost as captivating as their beauty.
22. The musician’s captivating voice brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience.
23. Her eyes were captivating; deep and expressive, they seemed to tell a story all their own.
24. The magic show was captivating, with tricks and illusions that left the audience in awe.
25. The jungle was both intimidating and captivating, with its lush greenery and myriad of unknown sounds.