# captivated

/ˈkæptɪˌveɪtɪd/ (US) · /kˈæptɪvˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/captivated
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

feeling very interested in or attracted to something so that you give it all your attention.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I was captivated from the movie" but "I was captivated by the movie" — The adjective 'captivated' typically takes the preposition 'by' to indicate the source of the fascination.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by the preposition 'by' or 'with'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.