enrapture
/ɪnˈrap.tʃə/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To delight someone very much; to fill them with great pleasure or excitement. It is a strong, literary word.
- The music enraptured the audience.
- Her story enraptured everyone at the table.
- He was enraptured by the view.
Adinary Nuance
Enrapture is stronger and more literary than delight or please. It suggests someone is so pleased that they are almost carried away by the feeling. Writers choose it when they want a rich, emotional tone, not everyday speech. It is closer to mesmerise than to simply enjoy, but it focuses on joy more than attention.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Làm say mê
- Spanish
- Enraptar
- Chinese
- 使陶醉
- Japanese
- うっとりさせる
- Korean
- 황홀하게 하다
Etymology
Enrapture came into English in the late 1500s from Latin raptus, meaning “carried away.” It later developed the sense of being carried away by pleasure.
Common phrases
enrapture the audiencebe enraptured byenrapture someone withtotally enraptured
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is enrapture formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and literary. People use it more in writing than in everyday conversation.
- What is the difference between enrapture and delight?
- Delight is more common and neutral. Enrapture is stronger and more dramatic.
- Can I say 'I am enraptured'?
- Yes, but it sounds literary. In daily speech, 'I loved it' is more natural.
- Is enrapture used in business writing?
- Usually no. It sounds too emotional for most business contexts.