Word
attractive
Phoneticsat·trac·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈtɹæktɪv/
UK/ɐtɹˈæktɪv/
Definitions
01physically beautiful
A2 · Elementary
adj. pleasant to look at, especially when talking about a person's appearance.
adj. pleasing or appealing to the senses; aesthetically pleasing, particularly regarding human physical appearance.
“She is a very attractive woman with a kind smile.”
“The portrait depicted an attractive young man whose features were softened by the warm afternoon light of the studio.”
Antonyms
02appealing or interesting
B1 · Intermediate
adj. having qualities that make you want to accept something or find out more about it.
adj. having qualities that arouse interest, pleasure, or admiration; providing a compelling reason to choose a particular option.
“The company offered him a very attractive salary and a new car.”
“The proposed merger became increasingly attractive to shareholders as the potential for global expansion became clear.”
Antonyms
03magnetic force
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. having a natural force that pulls things toward it.
adj. possessing the inherent physical property of attraction, such as magnetism or gravity.
“The attractive force between the two magnets was very strong.”
“The experiment measured the attractive gravitational pull exerted by the massive lead spheres on the smaller test weights.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “attractive” in context.
Etymology
From Middle French attractif, from Late Latin attractīvus, equivalent to attract + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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