English Reference
Noun

magnetism

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈmæɡnəˌtɪzəm/ UK /mˈæɡnɪtˌɪzəm/ mag·netism UK spelling magnetism's, magnetism's Physics

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.


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.

The discovery could help explain how exotic properties such as superconductivity and magnetism develop and coexist.

ScienceDaily· 20 Aug 2026

From magnet + -ism.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated