attract

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.

“Attract” is pronounced uh-TRAKT (/əˈtɹækt/ in IPA).

Here is “attract” used in a sentence: “A magnet attracts iron filings.”

Words with a similar meaning to “attract” include allure and draw.

The opposite of “attract” — its antonyms — are repel and chase.

“Attract” is a verb.

The word “attract” comes from Latin. From Latin attrahere, "to draw toward," from ad- ("to") plus trahere ("to draw, pull").

“Attract” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

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."

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."