Word
intriguing
Phoneticsin·trigu·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtɹiɡɪŋ/
UK/ɪntɹˈiːɡɪŋ/
Definitions
01mysterious and interesting
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. making you very interested because something seems strange or mysterious.
adj. arousing great interest or curiosity through being unusual, mysterious, or fascinating.
日本語:面白い※
“The scientist found some intriguing evidence that suggested life might exist on other planets.”
“The archaeologist discovered an intriguing set of symbols carved into the cave wall that did not match any known local script.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02plotting or scheming
C2 · Proficiency Literary · Archaic
adj. secretly planning to do something dishonest or harmful to others.
adj. engaging in secret schemes or underhanded plots.
“The king was surrounded by intriguing courtiers who all wanted more power.”
“The novel depicts a court filled with intriguing politicians, each more concerned with their own advancement than the welfare of the state.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “intriguing” in context.
Verb
01. find the theory intriguing
“Most scholars find the theory intriguing, though it lacks empirical evidence.”
verb + noun + adj
02. sound intriguing
“Your proposal for the new marketing campaign sounds intriguing; tell me more.”
verb + adj
Noun
03. intriguing glimpse
“The documentary provides an intriguing glimpse into the private lives of the royal family.”
adj + noun
04. intriguing possibility
“The discovery of water on the planet raises the intriguing possibility of alien life.”
adj + noun
05. intriguing prospect
“Working abroad for a year was an intriguing prospect that she couldn't ignore.”
adj + noun
Adverb
06. deeply intriguing
“The ancient manuscript presented a deeply intriguing puzzle for the historians.”
adv + adj
07. highly intriguing
“The detective found the suspect's sudden disappearance highly intriguing.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“The research team came across intriguing findings from their study of shift workers in the Arctic Circle, where the sun barely sets in summer and sleep has to be won from the never-ending day.” “When Harding uncovered the intriguing holes, he noticed that they seemed to line up with the Sun, just like Stonehenge located a few miles away.” “With intriguing titles including Peeing for Cynthia, Deaf Eggs, and Hands, each little chapter tells its own weird tale.” - 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/intriguing
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0