attractive

adjective

at·​trac·​tive ə-ˈtrak-tiv 

1

a

: arousing interest or pleasure : charming

an attractive smile

b

: appealing

an attractive offer

2

: having or relating to the power to attract

attractive forces between molecules

attractively adverb

attractiveness noun

Synonyms

• alluring
• appealing
• bewitching
• captivating
• charismatic
• charming
• elfin
• enchanting
• engaging
• entrancing
• fascinating
• fetching
• glamorous
• glamourous
• luring
• magnetic
• seductive

Examples of attractive in a Sentence

An attractive woman greeted us at the door.

The camera has many attractive features at a very attractive price.

Recent Examples on the Web

This will likely mean offering clear career development paths, attractive compensation and an inclusive culture that fosters well-being. —Bjorn Reynolds, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Gels or creams that promote the skin’s natural barrier help to prevent dryness and promote a more attractive, smooth appearance. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Top Wall Street analysts look to pick stocks of companies that are backed by strong financials, reliable business models and that boast attractive product offerings. —Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 1 Dec. 2024

Across many fronts, the Bears job will remain attractive and be highly sought after — particularly, as one league source noted, given the state of the roster, the health of the salary cap and the presence of a potential young star quarterback. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attractif, attractive "drawing out foreign matter from the body, able to ingest nutriments," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French attractif, attratif, borrowed from Late Latin attractīvus "capable of attracting, drawing toward itself," from Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere "to draw with force, compel to come" + -īvus -ive — more at attract

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

attractive

adjective

at·​trac·​tive ə-ˈtrak-tiv 

: having the power or quality of attracting

especially : charming, pleasing

attractively adverb

attractiveness noun