Word
magnetic
Able to attract iron or steel, or causing a strong pull of interest or attention.
Meanings
Able to attract iron or steel; having the properties of a magnet.
Having a strong power to attract attention, interest, or admiration.
Related to magnets or magnetism, especially in science and technology.
Definition
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.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.