attract
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to pull something toward itself using a physical force, like a magnet.
to exert a physical force that draws an object toward the source of that force.
Simple“The magnet attracted the small metal paperclips on the desk.”
In context“The massive planet's gravitational field attracts nearby asteroids, often pulling them into a stable orbit or toward a terminal collision.”
UsageThis sense is almost always transitive, requiring a direct object.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to make someone interested in something or to make them like you.
to evoke interest, admiration, or desire in others through specific qualities or features.
Simple“The bright colors of the flowers attract many bees and butterflies.”
In context“The city's vibrant nightlife and low cost of living continue to attract young professionals from across the continent.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice to describe a person's reaction, such as 'to be attracted to someone'.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to cause a particular reaction or result, often a negative one.
to elicit or incur a specific response, often used with nouns like 'attention', 'criticism', or 'controversy'.
Simple“His unusual clothes attracted a lot of attention in the small town.”
In context“The government's new tax proposal attracted fierce criticism from both the public and the opposition parties.”
UsageCommonly collocates with 'attention', 'criticism', 'publicity', or 'controversy'.
Usage attract attention · attract new · attract interest
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.