fascinating

[ fas-uh-ney-ting ]

adjective

1. of great interest or attraction; enchanting; charming; captivating:

   a fascinating story;

   fascinating jewelry.

fascinating

/ ˈfæsɪˌneɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. arousing great interest
2. enchanting or alluring

   a fascinating woman

Derived Forms

• ˈfasciˌnatingly, adverb

Other Words From

• fasci·nating·ly adverb
• half-fasci·nating adjective
• half-fasci·nating·ly adverb
• quasi-fasci·nating adjective
• quasi-fasci·nating·ly adverb
• un·fasci·nating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fascinating¹

First recorded in 1640–50; fascinat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

"These cells are fascinating -- what causes them to work correctly and what causes them to go awry."

From Science Daily

The most fascinating is the complex compositional analysis of the figures in Leonardo’s second most famous painting, “The Last Supper,” that vast fresco in a communal dining room of a Dominican convent in Milan.

From Los Angeles Times

"From a microbial level to complex organisms, using this chemical signaling to communicate allows certain organisms to coordinate activity on huge spatial scales, which is fascinating."

From Science Daily

Just step back and take some time to watch them and enjoy their behaviors, and I think you'll find them fascinating.

From Salon

"Religion is one of the most fascinating and puzzling aspects of ancient civilizations," Tanasi said.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• alluring
• appealing
• captivating
• charming
• compelling
• delightful
• enchanting
• engaging
• engrossing
• glamorous
• gripping
• intriguing
• riveting