Word
magnetism
Phoneticsmag·netism
US/ˈmæɡnəˌtɪzəm/
UK/mˈæɡnɪtˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a physical force that pulls some metals toward each other. It also describes a special quality in a person that makes others feel attracted to them.
n. the physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charge, resulting in attractive and repulsive forces between objects. In a figurative sense, refers to a powerful personal quality that draws interest or admiration from others.
Examples
“The magnetism of the earth makes a compass needle point north.”
“Scientists studied the planet's magnetism to understand why its atmosphere was so thin compared to Earth's.”
“The candidate relied more on personal magnetism and rhetorical flair than on the specific details of his policy platform to win over the undecided voters.”
Examples
simple
“The magnetism of the earth makes a compass needle point north.”
contextual
“Scientists studied the planet's magnetism to understand why its atmosphere was so thin compared to Earth's.”
complex
“The candidate relied more on personal magnetism and rhetorical flair than on the specific details of his policy platform to win over the undecided voters.”
Usage
Uncountable in both its physical and figurative senses.
Real-World Examples
“If those minerals survived for billions of years and eventually reached Earth, their "remanent magnetization" could provide evidence that magnetism existed in the young solar system and influenced its development.” “The discovery could help explain how exotic properties such as superconductivity and magnetism develop and coexist.” Etymology
From magnet + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/magnetism