attractive

[ uh-trak-tiv ]

adjective

1. providing pleasure or delight, especially in appearance or manner; pleasing; charming; alluring:

   an attractive personality.

2. arousing interest or engaging one's thought, consideration, etc.: an attractive price.

   an attractive idea;

   an attractive price.

3. having the quality of attracting.

attractive

/ əˈtræktɪv /

adjective

1. appealing to the senses or mind through beauty, form, character, etc
2. arousing interest

   an attractive opportunity

3. possessing the ability to draw or pull

   an attractive force

Derived Forms

• atˈtractiveness, noun
• atˈtractively, adverb

Other Words From

• at·tractive·ly adverb
• at·tractive·ness noun
• super·at·tractive adjective
• unat·tractive adjective
• unat·tractive·ly adverb
• unat·tractive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attractive¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English attractif, attractive, (from Middle French at(t)ractif ), from Late Latin attractīvus “(of a medicine) having drawing power, absorptive,” derivative of attractus , “drawn, contracted,” attract, -ive

Example Sentences

“If you get hurt and you can never play hockey again, being able to have a Harvard degree is something that I think is pretty attractive.”

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, its cable networks were seen as some of its most attractive businesses.

From BBC

The strength and stability of the world’s fifth-largest economy, meanwhile, makes it an attractive innovation and investment partner while the federal government seesaws chaotically.

From Los Angeles Times

But the latest competitions all have one thing in common: the celebrities are all young, attractive and male.

From BBC

"I was actually very flattered because he was an attractive guy," Wragg says.

From BBC

Related Words

• alluring
• beautiful
• charming
• engaging
• enticing
• fair
• glamorous
• good-looking
• gorgeous
• handsome
• interesting
• inviting
• lovely
• pleasant
• pleasing
• tempting