attractive
- 1Making people want something because it seems good or pleasant.
Like the smell of fresh bread that pulls you into a bakery.
The free breakfast made the hotel more attractive to families.
The job is attractive because the pay is good and the hours are short.
UsageSay attractive to someone: attractive to families.
Similarappealing, tempting, enticing, inviting, desirable
Oppositeunappealing, uninviting, undesirable
- 2Pleasing to look at or listen to, especially in a way that makes people feel romantic interest.
He looked very attractive in his new suit at the party.
She thought the singer was attractive long before he became famous.
UsageUsed for both men and women. People often say they find someone attractive.
Similargood-looking, beautiful, handsome, pretty, gorgeous
Oppositeunattractive, ugly, plain, homely
- 3Pulling things toward itself, the way a magnet pulls metal.
Like a magnet pulling paper clips toward it.
The magnet's attractive pull picked up all the paper clips on the desk.
Gravity is attractive, so it pulls things together and never pushes them apart.
Oppositerepulsive
Note
Practice
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Origin
It comes from an old French word attractif, which came from the Late Latin word attractivus.
Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Attractive comes from the older French word attractif, identified as Middle French. en.wiktionary.org
- French attractif came from Late Latin attractivus. en.wiktionary.org