magnetically
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /mæɡnˈɛtɪkli/
US
- /mæɡˈnɛtɪkəli/
- /mæɡˈnɛtɪkli/
Description
- By magnetic force
- Through magnetism
- In a strongly attractive way
- As if pulled in
Think of a fridge covered in colorful magnets: that is magnetism at work. When something happens magnetically, it is moved, held, aligned, or affected by magnetic force. But the word is not only used in science. It can also describe the way someone or something seems to pull people in very strongly, almost as if by an invisible force. A charming leader, performer, or place can attract people magnetically, drawing them in with little effort.
The word comes from "magnet," and it points to the invisible force that magnets create. You might say a compass needle is magnetically aligned, or that information is stored magnetically on a hard drive. In both literal and figurative use, the idea is the same: something is being pulled, guided, or held by a force that cannot be seen.
"Magnetically" is an adverb that describes something happening by means of magnetism or in a way that feels strongly attractive. In its literal sense, it is used for physical processes involving magnetic force, such as metal being held in place, a compass needle turning, data being stored on a magnetic surface, or a train being lifted and guided by magnetic systems. It often suggests movement, alignment, control, or attraction caused by an unseen physical force.
The word is also common in figurative language. Just as a magnet pulls objects toward it, a person, voice, performance, or place can draw others in magnetically. A speaker may hold a room magnetically, or a city may attract visitors magnetically, suggesting a strong and almost effortless pull. In this sense, the word does not mean real magnets are involved; it compares emotional or social attraction to magnetic force.
The term also appears in science and technology beyond simple attraction. Materials can respond magnetically when placed in a magnetic field, medical and industrial tools may work magnetically, and many devices rely on magnetic effects to function. The Earth itself has a magnetic field, and many systems in nature and technology are explained in magnetic terms.
So, whether it describes the literal pull of a magnet or the figurative pull of a person or place, "magnetically" points to a strong force of attraction, guidance, or influence. The central idea is simple: something is being drawn, directed, or held as if by an unseen power.
Examples
- 1
Badge attachment
The name badge attaches magnetically to your shirt.
- 2
Cabinet closure
The cabinet door is held closed magnetically, so there is no visible latch.
- 3
Data storage
The data on the old card was stored magnetically on a dark stripe.
- 4
Figurative attraction
She felt magnetically drawn to the quiet little bookshop on the corner.
Pattern
magnetically drawn to + person/place/thing
strongly attracted to it
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- magneticallyadverb