Word
captivated
Phoneticscap·ti·vat·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkæptɪˌveɪtɪd/
UK/kˈæptɪvˌeɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. feeling very interested in or attracted to something so that you give it all your attention.
adj. having one's attention or interest held completely by something fascinating or beautiful. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.
Examples
“The children were captivated by the magician's tricks.”
“She stood captivated by the view of the mountains as the sun began to set.”
“The audience remained captivated throughout the three-hour performance, barely making a sound as the lead actor delivered his final, moving monologue.”
Examples
simple
“The children were captivated by the magician's tricks.”
contextual
“She stood captivated by the view of the mountains as the sun began to set.”
complex
“The audience remained captivated throughout the three-hour performance, barely making a sound as the lead actor delivered his final, moving monologue.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'by' or 'with'.
Pitfall
I was captivated from the movie
I was captivated by the movie
The adjective 'captivated' typically takes the preposition 'by' to indicate the source of the fascination.
Real-World Examples
“His current research focuses on social media virality, including why people are so captivated by short-form video.” “Returning to it in my 40s, I was captivated by his Guyanese landscapes.” Word family
NOUN
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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