magnetic
/mæɡˈnet.ɪk/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Having the force that attracts iron and some metals. It can also mean connected with a magnet or magnets.
- The fridge door has a magnetic strip.
- This metal is not magnetic.
- Magnetic fields can affect a compass.
- 2.
Very attractive or charming in a strong way, so people notice and like someone or something easily.
- She has a magnetic smile.
- His speech was magnetic.
- The actor has a magnetic presence.
Adinary Nuance
Magnetic is stronger and more specific than attractive. Use magnetic when something seems to pull attention or interest almost naturally, as if by power. It is also the normal word for science, where magnetic means related to magnets.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- có từ tính
- Spanish
- magnético
- Chinese
- 有磁性的
- Japanese
- 磁気の
- Korean
- 자성을 띤
Etymology
From Latin magneticus, from magnes, meaning 'lodestone' or 'magnet'. It entered English in the late Middle English period through Old French and Latin.
Common phrases
magnetic fieldmagnetic stripmagnetic forcemagnetic personality
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is magnetic only used in science?
- No. It is also used for people, voices, and personalities that strongly attract attention.
- What is the difference between magnetic and attractive?
- Attractive is wider and softer. Magnetic suggests a stronger pull on attention or interest.
- Can I say a person is magnetic?
- Yes. It means people find the person very compelling and hard to ignore.
- Is magnetic a formal word?
- It is neutral. It works in everyday speech, writing, and academic contexts.