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REFERENCE

attractive

adj.
US //əˈtɹæktɪv// UK //ɐtɹˈæktɪv// at·trac·tive
  1. 1 physically beautiful (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    pleasant to look at, especially when talking about a person's appearance.

    pleasing or appealing to the senses; aesthetically pleasing, particularly regarding human physical appearance.

    Example

    She is a very attractive woman with a kind smile.

    Example

    The portrait depicted an attractive young man whose features were softened by the warm afternoon light of the studio.
  2. 2 appealing or interesting (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having qualities that make you want to accept something or find out more about it.

    having qualities that arouse interest, pleasure, or admiration; providing a compelling reason to choose a particular option.

    Example

    The company offered him a very attractive salary and a new car.

    Example

    The proposed merger became increasingly attractive to shareholders as the potential for global expansion became clear.
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  1. 3 magnetic force (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    having a natural force that pulls things toward it.

    possessing the inherent physical property of attraction, such as magnetism or gravity.

    Example

    The attractive force between the two magnets was very strong.

    Example

    The experiment measured the attractive gravitational pull exerted by the massive lead spheres on the smaller test weights.
Origin

From Middle French attractif, from Late Latin attractīvus, equivalent to attract + -ive.

Word family

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