Word
attract
Phoneticsat·tract, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈtɹækt/
UK/ɐtɹˈækt/
Definitions
01to pull physically
B1 · Intermediate Science
v. to pull something toward itself using a physical force, like a magnet.
v. to exert a physical force that draws an object toward the source of that force.
“The magnet attracted the small metal paperclips on the desk.”
“The massive planet's gravitational field attracts nearby asteroids, often pulling them into a stable orbit or toward a terminal collision.”
Usage
This sense is almost always transitive, requiring a direct object.
Antonyms
02to interest or allure
B1 · Intermediate
v. to make someone interested in something or to make them like you.
v. to evoke interest, admiration, or desire in others through specific qualities or features.
“The bright colors of the flowers attract many bees and butterflies.”
“The city's vibrant nightlife and low cost of living continue to attract young professionals from across the continent.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice to describe a person's reaction, such as 'to be attracted to someone'.
Antonyms
03to cause a reaction
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to cause a particular reaction or result, often a negative one.
v. to elicit or incur a specific response, often used with nouns like 'attention', 'criticism', or 'controversy'.
“His unusual clothes attracted a lot of attention in the small town.”
“The government's new tax proposal attracted fierce criticism from both the public and the opposition parties.”
Usage
Commonly collocates with 'attention', 'criticism', 'publicity', or 'controversy'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “attract” in context.
Verb
01. attract attention
“The bright colors of the poster were designed to attract attention.”
verb + noun
02. attract customer
“Low prices are a great way to attract new customers to the shop.”
verb + noun
03. attract interest
“His unusual hobby began to attract interest from the local media.”
verb + noun
04. attract investment
“The government is offering tax breaks to attract foreign investment.”
verb + noun
05. attract visitor
“The museum attracts thousands of visitors every month.”
verb + noun
06. fail to attract
“The new movie failed to attract a large audience on its opening weekend.”
verb + verb
07. try to attract
“The city is trying to attract more tourists by building new parks.”
verb + verb
08. attract a lot of attention
“The protest attracted a lot of attention from passersby.”
09. attract criticism from
“The new law has attracted criticism from human rights groups.”
10. be attracted to someone
“She was immediately attracted to his kind personality and sense of humor.”
Etymology
From Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere (“to draw to, attract”), from ad (“to”) + trahere (“to draw”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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