Definition and pronunciation
attract /əˈtrækt/ — verb: to draw or pull something or someone toward oneself, either physically, emotionally, or by creating interest or admiration.
Easy explanation
To attract means to make someone or something come closer or pay attention. A flower attracts bees, a smile attracts people, and a job offer attracts workers.
Grammatical formation
- Verb: attract, attracts, attracted, attracting.
- Noun: attraction.
- Adjective: attractive, unattractive.
- Adverb: attractively.
- Typical frames: attract someone/something; attract to; be attracted by; be attracted to.
Meanings and nuances
- Pull physically — magnet attracts iron, gravity attracts objects.
- Draw interest or attention — “The show attracts many visitors.”
- Romantic or sexual appeal — “She is attracted to him.”
- Cause or provoke — “The policy attracted criticism.”
With prepositions and variants
- attract to: “Bees are attracted to flowers.”
- attract by: “She was attracted by his kindness.”
- attract with: “The fair attracted visitors with food and games.”
- attract into: “The offer attracted him into joining.”
Common collocations
attract attention, attract customers, attract investment, attract talent, attract tourists, attract criticism, attract interest, attract trouble, attract sympathy, attract a crowd, attract bees, attract women/men, attract job seekers, attract funding
Idioms and neighboring expressions
attract attention like a magnet, attract the spotlight, attract good luck, attract fire (draw criticism), attraction at first sight (linked to “love at first sight”)
Word comparisons
- attract vs allure: allure suggests mystery or seduction; attract is neutral.
- attract vs entice: entice has persuasive/tempting quality; attract is broader.
- attract vs draw: draw is often interchangeable; attract is slightly more formal.
- attract vs seduce: seduce implies manipulation or sexuality; attract does not necessarily.
- attract vs invite: invite suggests intention; attract can be unintentional.
Real-life examples
- “The park attracts families on weekends.”
- “He attracted criticism for his decision.”
- “Her smile attracted him instantly.”
- “Bright colors attract attention.”
- “The museum attracts thousands of visitors each year.”
Sample sentences
- “Flowers attract bees with their scent.”
- “She attracted a lot of attention with her dress.”
- “The company hopes to attract new investors.”
- “He is attracted to her personality.”
- “The policy attracted sharp criticism.”
- “The seaside resort attracts tourists from abroad.”
- “He attracted trouble by speaking carelessly.”
- “The magnet attracts iron filings.”
- “The ad campaign attracted many customers.”
- “They are attracted by the city’s vibrant culture.”
Synonyms
draw, entice, allure, charm, lure, captivate, fascinate, magnetize, engage, interest
Antonyms
repel, deter, disgust, discourage, drive away, push back, reject, ignore
Related terms
attraction, attractive, attractiveness, magnetism, charm, allure, seduce, entice, fascinate, engage, interest, repulsion
Connection to sexuality
“Attract” is often used in romantic and sexual contexts, as in “She is attracted to him” or “He attracts women with his charm.” Still, the word is not inherently sexual—it’s widely used for general interest, physics, business, and nature.
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