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Word

magnetic

adjective C1
UK /maɡˈnɛtɪk/
US /mæɡˈnɛtɪk/

Meanings

adjective

Able to attract iron or steel; having the properties of a magnet.

magnetic: Able to attract iron or steel; having the properties of a magnet.
adjective

Having a strong power to attract attention, interest, or admiration.

magnetic: Having a strong power to attract attention, interest, or admiration.
adjective

Related to magnets or magnetism, especially in science and technology.

magnetic: Related to magnets or magnetism, especially in science and technology.

Definition

Able to attract iron or steel, or causing a strong pull of interest or attention.

Magnetic describes something that can attract certain metals because it has magnetism. It can also describe a person, idea, or place that strongly attracts attention or interest. In science and everyday life, it is often used to talk about materials, forces, and fields. In figurative use, it suggests a powerful, almost irresistible appeal.

Examples

  • I tested the clasp, and it turned out to be magnetic enough to snap shut securely.
  • You can feel how magnetic his stage presence is, even from the back row.
  • Her talk was magnetic, drawing the audience into details that would normally seem dry.
  • They chose a magnetic mount for the tool set, so the bits stay in place during travel.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse magnetic with magnetized; magnetic describes a material or effect, while magnetized means something has been made into a magnet.