attract
uh-TRAKT
Attract (verb) means to pull something toward oneself, especially by a physical or magnetic force. Example: “The charged balloon attracted tiny scraps of paper from the table.”
verb
1
To pull something toward oneself, especially by a physical or magnetic force.
"The charged balloon attracted tiny scraps of paper from the table."
"Planets attract nearby objects through the force of gravity."
"A magnet attracts iron filings."
2
To draw interest, attention, or liking from someone.
"The new museum has attracted visitors from all over the country."
"The bright storefront attracted plenty of curious shoppers."
"He was immediately attracted to her sense of humor."
How to use attract
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pull something or someone closer, whether physically, through interest, or romantically.
Common pairings
attract attention
attract customers
attract criticism
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- attracts
- Past tense
- attracted
- Archaic forms
- attractest, attractedst, attracteth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charged balloon _____ tiny scraps of paper from the table.
Etymology
From Latin attrahere, "to draw toward," from ad- ("to") plus trahere ("to draw, pull").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “attract” mean?
The word “attract” means to pull something toward oneself, especially by a physical or magnetic force. In plain terms, to pull something or someone closer, whether physically, through interest, or romantically.
How do you pronounce “attract”?
“Attract” is pronounced uh-TRAKT (/əˈtɹækt/ in IPA).
How do you use “attract” in a sentence?
Here is “attract” used in a sentence: “A magnet attracts iron filings.”
What is another word for “attract”?
Words with a similar meaning to “attract” include allure and draw.
What is the opposite of “attract”?
The opposite of “attract” — its antonyms — are repel and chase.
What part of speech is “attract”?
“Attract” is a verb.
Where does the word “attract” come from?
The word “attract” comes from Latin. From Latin attrahere, "to draw toward," from ad- ("to") plus trahere ("to draw, pull").
Is “attract” a common word?
“Attract” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between attract and distract?
Attract means to draw interest, attention, or liking toward someone or something, or to pull an object toward oneself by physical or magnetic force. Distract means to pull someone's attention away from what they were focused on. Attract draws attention in, while distract pulls it away.
What is the difference between attract and lure?
Attract is a neutral word meaning to draw interest, attention, or liking. Lure carries a stronger, sometimes negative sense of tempting someone toward something, often by trickery or bait. You might attract customers with good service, but lure them with a misleading offer.
What preposition is used with attract?
Attract is usually followed by a direct object with no preposition, as in "attract attention" or "attract customers." When naming what does the attracting, use "to," as in "attracted to the idea," and "by" to name the cause, as in "attracted by the low price."
What words commonly go with attract?
Attract frequently pairs with nouns such as attention, interest, visitors, customers, investment, and criticism, as in "attract attention" or "attract investment." In its physical sense it collocates with magnetic forces, as in "magnets attract iron."
