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

Its attractive influence turned tiny differences in the amount of matter present in the early universe into the sprawling strands of galaxies we see today.

From Science Daily

With a grin he added, ‘And honestly, I don’t find you particularly attractive.’

From Salon

“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

The N-Dubz singer and former X-Factor judge explained she needs "to have a really close emotional bond with someone" before she finds them sexually attractive.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Related Words

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