WordGarden.ioattraction
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ətrˈækʃən/
US
- /əˈtrækʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being interesting, pleasing, or desirable
a feeling of romantic or sexual interest in someone
a place, feature, or event that draws visitors for interest or enjoyment
More meaningsFewer meanings
a ride, show, or featured entertainment at a theme park or fair
a force or tendency that pulls things together
Beyond the definition
Attraction isn't just about magnets sticking together! It's the power something has to draw you in—whether it's a beautiful painting, a charming person, or even a thrilling rollercoaster. Think of the Eiffel Tower; its architectural beauty is a major attraction for tourists visiting Paris.
Grammatically, the word is a noun describing the quality of being appealing ("the main attractions of the city"), though it stems from the verb attract ("Magnets attract metal"). Sometimes it refers to a feeling of liking someone romantically—"There was an instant attraction between them." It can even describe a force in physics! So next time you find yourself drawn to something, remember that's the power of attraction at work.
Attraction is a multifaceted word with meanings ranging from physical forces to emotional connections and popular destinations. At its core, it describes the quality of drawing someone or something closer—a pull, an appeal, or a captivating force.
As a noun, attraction generally refers to: the power of enticing others (like a marketing campaign designed for customer attraction), a feature that is interesting or appealing ("The museum's biggest attraction is its dinosaur exhibit"), or a feeling of liking someone romantically ("They felt an undeniable attraction").
It is closely related to the verb attract. This action can be literal—"Magnets attract iron filings"—or figurative—"Her kindness attracted many friends." In physics, attraction specifically refers to the force that causes objects with mass to move toward each other (gravity is an example).
The context often clarifies which meaning is intended. A travel brochure will likely highlight tourist attractions, while a romance novel might describe characters experiencing mutual attraction. A scientist discussing gravity would be referring to the physical force of attraction.
So, whether it's a magnetic pull, a captivating personality, or a popular destination, attraction is all about the power that draws things—and people—together.
Examples
- 1
Tourist site
The city’s biggest attraction is the old market by the river.
- 2
Sightseeing
We visited three major tourist attractions in one day.
- 3
Event highlight
The parade was fun, but the fireworks were the main attraction.
- 4
Romantic feeling
She felt an immediate attraction to him, even though they had just met.
- Patternattraction to + person
a romantic or sexual feeling of liking them
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Mutual attraction
There was a strong attraction between them from the start.
- 6
Appeal
I understand the attraction of working from home, but I still prefer the office.
- Patternthe attraction of + thing/activity
what makes it appealing
- 7
Lack of appeal
The job had little attraction for him once he learned how much travel it involved.
- Patternhave little attraction for + person
not seem very appealing to them
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- feel an attraction to
- mutual attraction
- physical attraction
- main attraction
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- attractionnoun
Forms
- attractionspluralnoun