charming
Charming (adj) means Pleasant, attractive, and likeable. Example: “They stayed at a charming little inn in the countryside.”
How to use charming
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPleasant and attractive — or, said sarcastically, the opposite.
Watch tone: said with a flat or sarcastic voice, "charming" can mean the exact opposite of its literal meaning.
Word forms
more charming comparative, charminger comparative, charmings plural, most charming superlative, charmingest superlative, charmest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They stayed at a _____ little inn in the countryside.
Etymology
From Middle English charmynge, formed from charm plus the suffix -ing.
Related words
Rhymes for charming
See all rhymes for charming →Frequently asked questions
What does “charming” mean?
The word “charming” means pleasant, attractive, and likeable. In plain terms, pleasant and attractive — or, said sarcastically, the opposite.
How do you pronounce “charming”?
“Charming” is pronounced CHAH-mihng (/ˈtʃɑː(ɹ).mɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “charming” in a sentence?
Here is “charming” used in a sentence: “They stayed at a charming little inn in the countryside.”
What part of speech is “charming”?
Depending on how it is used, “charming” can be an adjective and an intj.
Where does the word “charming” come from?
The word “charming” comes from Middle English. From Middle English charmynge, formed from charm plus the suffix -ing.
Is “charming” a common word?
“Charming” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “charming” have?
“Charming” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: pleasant, attractive, and likeable.
What is the difference between charming and charismatic?
Charming means pleasant, attractive, and likeable, and it can describe people, places, and things alike. Charismatic describes a stronger magnetic quality that draws followers or devotion, and it is normally reserved for people, especially leaders and performers. A cottage can be charming, but not charismatic.
Is calling someone charming a compliment?
Usually yes — it means the person is pleasant, attractive, and likeable. Said with a flat or pointed tone, however, "Charming!" is a standard sarcastic interjection expressing disapproval of rude or unpleasant behaviour. Tone and context tell you which reading is intended.
Can charming describe places and things, or only people?
Charming applies just as naturally to places and things as to people: a charming village, a charming little café, a charming letter. Applied to things, it suggests an attractive, pleasing, often quaint appeal rather than personal manner.