WordGarden.ioattract
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ətrˈækt/
US
- /əˈtrækt/
Meanings
Verb
to draw interest, attention, or people by being appealing or useful
to cause romantic or sexual interest in someone
in science, to pull something closer by a force such as magnetism or gravity
Beyond the definition
Think of a shiny new toy – it attracts the eyes of children! To attract means to draw something or someone closer, often through positive qualities or appeal. A beautiful garden attracts bees with its colorful flowers, and a kind personality attracts friends. It's like an invisible pull, making things come together. You can also attract attention by telling a funny story, or by wearing a bright outfit. Sometimes it describes physical forces, like magnets attracting metal, but more often it's about what makes something desirable or interesting.
To attract means to draw someone or something closer through force of appeal—whether that's physical, emotional, or intellectual. It suggests a pull, a magnetism, that brings things together.
You might say a delicious smell attracts you to a bakery, or a charismatic leader attracts followers with their vision. It's not just about people; ideas can attract support, and businesses attract customers. "The new policy attracted criticism from several groups" means the policy drew negative attention and opposition.
Historically, "attract" comes from the Latin word attrahere, meaning "to draw to." This root is still visible in how we use the word – something that attracts has a drawing power.
In science, attraction refers to physical forces like gravity or magnetism. But more broadly, it describes anything that evokes interest, desire, or attention. A compelling story attracts readers, a beautiful landscape attracts tourists, and genuine kindness attracts lasting friendships.
So whether you're talking about magnets, people, ideas, or places, to attract is to exert a pull that brings things closer—a force of appeal that draws things in.
Examples
- 1
Retail display
The colorful window display attracted a small crowd.
- 2
Online sales
Free delivery helps online stores attract new customers.
- 3
Tourism
The town is trying to attract more tourists in the summer.
- 4
Appearance
Her unusual hat attracted everyone's attention.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Investment
The company hopes the new policy will attract foreign investment.
- 6
Online criticism
His comments attracted a lot of criticism online.
- 7
Personal attraction
I've always been attracted to people who are calm and honest.
- Patternbe attracted to + person
feel drawn to them, often in a romantic way
- 8
Job appeal
Many young workers are attracted to jobs that offer flexible hours.
- Patternbe attracted to + thing/opportunity
like it or feel drawn to it
See also
Similar
- draw
- appeal to
- bring in
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- attract attention
- attract customers
- attract interest
- attract investment
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- attractverb
Forms
- attractedpast tenseverb
- attracting-ing formverb
- attractsverb