Word
intrigue
Phoneticsin·trigue, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɪntɹiɡ/
Definitions
01to fascinate
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make you very interested because something seems strange, mysterious, or unusual.
v. to arouse the interest or curiosity of someone; to fascinate through mystery or novelty. Transitive, requiring a direct object.
Español:intrigar
“The mysterious map in the attic really intrigued the children.”
“The researcher was intrigued by the anomalous data, as it suggested a variable that the original hypothesis had failed to account for.”
Synonyms
02secret planning
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. secret plans or clever tricks that people use to get what they want.
n. clandestine plots or schemes intended to achieve a purpose through secret artifice or conspiracy.
“The palace was full of political intrigue as everyone tried to gain power.”
“The novel is a masterful study of political intrigue, detailing the subtle maneuvers used by the ministers to undermine the king's authority.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a complex plot
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Theater Academic · Literary
n. the complicated parts of a story or play that keep the audience interested.
n. the series of complications or the intricate plot of a literary work, such as a play or romance.
“The play's intrigue was so complex that the audience stayed silent until the very end.”
“Critics praised the playwright for the depth of the intrigue, noting how each character's secret motivations eventually collided in the final act.”
Real-World Examples
“I was intrigued because in other areas the insects were alive and destroying the grass but as soon as they come here, there’s something that is killing them,” she said.” “This year I'll return again, excited to catch up with my friends and intrigued to see what the new community-focused Pride is all about.” “Intrigued, scientists set up experiments to figure out why.” Etymology
Borrowed from French intrigue, from Italian intricare, from Latin intrīcō (“I entangle, perplex, embarrass”). Doublet of intricate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. palace intrigue
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/intrigue
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0