attraction
attraction
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "attraction" is /əˈtrækʃn/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
at: /ə/ - This is a schwa sound, a very short, unstressed vowel.
trac: /træk/ -
/tr/ - This is a consonant cluster, a combination of two consonant sounds.
/æ/ - This is the "a" sound in "cat" or "trap."
/k/ - This is the "k" sound.
tion: /ʃn/ -
/ʃ/ - This is the "sh" sound, as in "ship."
/n/ - This is the "n" sound.
Word Form Variations
attraction (singular noun) - This is the base form.
attractions (plural noun) - Refers to more than one attraction.
attractive (adjective) - Describes something that has the quality of attracting.
attractively (adverb) - Describes how something is done in an attractive way.
attract (verb) - The action of drawing someone or something towards oneself.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun (attraction)
Definition 1: The quality of evoking interest, pleasure, or desire in someone or something. This can be a physical, emotional, or intellectual draw.
Synonyms: allure, charm, appeal, fascination, magnetism, enticement, draw, pull
Antonyms: repulsion, aversion, distaste, indifference, antipathy
Definition 2: A place or thing that draws visitors or interest.
Synonyms: landmark, site, spectacle, feature, magnet, draw, hot spot
Antonyms: (A true antonym is difficult, but concepts like) hidden gem, secret spot, off-the-beaten-path location
Verb (attract)
Definition: To draw someone or something towards oneself, either physically or by arousing interest or desire.
Synonyms: entice, lure, tempt, draw, pull, magnetize, captivate, charm, engage
Antonyms: repel, repulse, deter, discourage, alienate, rebuff, drive away
Adjective (attractive)
Definition: Having the quality of attracting or pleasing; appealing.
Synonyms: appealing, charming, engaging, alluring, captivating, fascinating, tempting, desirable, beautiful, pretty, handsome
Antonyms: unattractive, unappealing, repulsive, repellent, off-putting, disagreeable, ugly
Adverb (attractively)
Definition: In a way that is attractive or appealing.
Synonyms: appealingly, charmingly, engagingly, alluringly, captivatingly, temptingly, desirably, beautifully, prettily, handsomely
Antonyms: unattractively, unappealingly, repulsively, disagreeably
Examples of Use
Noun (attraction)
Tourism: "The Eiffel Tower remains a top tourist attraction in Paris." (Numerous travel guides and websites)
Science: "Gravity is the force of attraction between objects with mass." (Physics textbooks and scientific articles)
Personal Relationships: "He felt a strong attraction to her." (Numerous novels and romance stories)
Marketing: "The new product launch generated a lot of attraction on social media." (Marketing blogs and news articles)
Theme Parks: "Disneyland is known for its many thrilling attractions." (Theme park websites and reviews)
Verb (attract)
Business: "The company hopes to attract new customers with its latest advertising campaign." (Business news articles and press releases)
Science: "Flowers attract bees with their bright colors and sweet scent." (Biology textbooks and nature documentaries)
Personal Development: "Positive thinking can attract positive outcomes." (Self-help books and motivational speeches)
Physics: "Magnets attract iron filings." (Science demonstrations and educational videos)
Adjective (attractive)
Appearance: "She was wearing an attractive dress." (Numerous novels and fashion magazines)
Offers: "The company offered an attractive salary package." (Job postings and business news)
Personality: "He had a very attractive personality." (Numerous novels and biographies)
Design: "The new car has a very attractive design." (Automotive magazines and reviews)
Adverb (attractively)
Presentation: "The food was attractively presented." (Cooking shows and restaurant reviews)
Marketing: "The product was attractively packaged." (Marketing and advertising materials)
Behavior: "He behaved very attractively towards her." (Numerous novels and social commentary)
Examples across different media:
Books: "The mysterious island held a strange attraction for the explorers." (Adventure novels)
Newspapers: "The new art exhibit is attracting large crowds." (Local news articles)
Online Publications: "Top 10 attractions to visit in Rome." (Travel websites and blogs)
Entertainment: "The film's main attraction is its stunning visual effects." (Movie reviews)
Public Discourse: "The politician's charisma and attractive personality helped him win the election." (News reports and political analysis)
10 Famous Quotes Using Attraction
"The law of attraction is this: You don’t attract what you want, you attract what you are." – Wayne Dyer
"Attraction isn’t just physical—it’s soul recognizing soul." – Unknown
"Energy is contagious. Surround yourself with attraction, not distraction." – Rhonda Byrne
"What you seek is seeking you—such is the nature of attraction." – Rumi
"Attraction is not a choice; it's a force." – David DeAngelo
"Confidence is the most magnetic form of attraction." – Sophia Loren
"The strongest attraction lies not in the eyes, but in the minds that meet." – Unknown
"Attraction is chemistry, but love is physics." – Unknown
"There’s a fine line between attraction and distraction." – Unknown
"Attraction begins with authenticity." – Brené Brown
Etymology
Imagine "attraction" as a train pulling something towards it. That's kind of how the word works! It comes from two main parts:
"ad-": This is a prefix from Latin, meaning "to" or "toward." Think of words like "admit" (to let in) or "adapt" (to adjust toward something).
"tractio": This part comes from the Latin word "trahere," which means "to draw" or "to pull." Think of "tractor," which pulls things, or "traction," which is about grip and pulling force.
So, put them together: "ad-tractio" becomes "attraction," literally meaning "a drawing to" or "a pulling toward."
The first recorded use of "attraction" in English was in the 15th century, and it had a similar meaning to what we understand today: the power or quality of drawing or attracting. It was initially used in a more physical sense, like the attraction of a magnet to iron. Over time, the meaning broadened to include emotional and social attraction as well, like the attraction between people or the attraction of a particular place or event.
In short, "attraction" is all about that pull, that draw, that magnetic force that brings things together, whether physically, emotionally, or conceptually. It's a word that's been around for centuries, and its core meaning has remained remarkably consistent.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Attraction
Phrases (mostly literal):
Law of attraction: This is a popular phrase referring to the belief that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person's life.
Point of attraction: This can refer to a specific place or thing that draws people or interest.
Force of attraction: Often used in physics, referring to the pull between objects (like gravity).
Mutual attraction: Indicates that two or more people or things are attracted to each other.
Tourist attraction: A place that draws visitors.
Why few idioms with "attraction" exist:
"Attraction" is already a fairly abstract noun. Idioms often work by taking a concrete image and using it metaphorically. Since "attraction" is already somewhat metaphorical (it's not a physical rope pulling things together in most cases), it's harder to build another layer of figurative language on top of it.
Working with the concept of attraction (synonyms and related ideas):
Since direct idioms with "attraction" are scarce, we can look at idioms related to its core meaning: drawing, pulling, tempting, charming, etc.
To be drawn to something: This expresses a feeling of attraction or interest.
To have a magnetic personality: Describes someone who naturally attracts others.
To be under someone's spell: Suggests being captivated or charmed.
To fall for someone: Means to become romantically attracted.
To have a thing for someone: A more casual way of expressing attraction.
To be head over heels in love: Describes intense romantic attraction.
To be smitten with someone: Similar to being head over heels, but perhaps more playful.
To woo someone: To try to win someone's affection.
Original/Less Common Phrases (playing with the idea):
The attraction of the unknown: This plays on the allure of mystery.
An attraction of opposites: Refers to the idea that contrasting things can attract.
The irresistible attraction: Emphasizes the powerful nature of some attractions.
While "attraction" itself doesn't generate a lot of idioms, by focusing on its core meaning, we can find related expressions that capture the same ideas of drawing, tempting, and charming.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of attraction from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
