magnetic
mag-NEH-tihk
Magnetic (adj) means having the properties of a magnet, especially the ability to attract iron or steel. Example: “The toy train has a magnetic coupling that links the carriages together.”
adj
1
Having the properties of a magnet, especially the ability to attract iron or steel.
"The toy train has a magnetic coupling that links the carriages together."
"The fridge door is magnetic, so the kids' drawings stick right to it."
"Compasses work because the needle is magnetic and aligns with the Earth's field."
2
Extremely attractive or charismatic.
"Everyone was drawn to her magnetic personality as soon as she entered the room."
"The speaker had a magnetic charm that kept the audience listening."
"The new singer had a magnetic stage presence that held the crowd from the first note."
How to use magnetic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAble to attract metal like a magnet, or (of a person) irresistibly charismatic.
Common pairings
magnetic field
magnetic personality
magnetic north
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more magnetic
- Superlative
- most magnetic
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The toy train has a _____ coupling that links the carriages together.
Etymology
From magnet + the adjective suffix -ic; "magnet" traces back through Latin and Greek to Magnesia, a region associated with naturally magnetic stone.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for magnetic
See all rhymes for magnetic →Frequently asked questions
What does “magnetic” mean?
The word “magnetic” means having the properties of a magnet, especially the ability to attract iron or steel. In plain terms, able to attract metal like a magnet, or (of a person) irresistibly charismatic.
How do you pronounce “magnetic”?
“Magnetic” is pronounced mag-NEH-tihk (/mæɡˈnɛtɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “magnetic” in a sentence?
Here is “magnetic” used in a sentence: “The fridge door is magnetic, so the kids' drawings stick right to it.”
What is the opposite of “magnetic”?
The opposite of “magnetic” — its antonyms — are antimagnetic, geographic, repulsive, non-magnetic and nonmagnetic.
What part of speech is “magnetic”?
“Magnetic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “magnetic” come from?
The word “magnetic” comes from Latin. From magnet + the adjective suffix -ic; "magnet" traces back through Latin and Greek to Magnesia, a region associated with naturally magnetic stone.
Is “magnetic” a common word?
“Magnetic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “magnetic” have?
“Magnetic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having the properties of a magnet, especially the ability to attract iron or steel.
What is the difference between magnetic and magnetized?
Magnetic describes something that has the properties of a magnet or can be attracted by one, such as iron or steel. Magnetized (or magnetised) describes an object that has been given magnetic properties, often temporarily, by exposure to a magnetic field.
What is the difference between magnetic and electric?
Magnetic relates to magnets and the force that attracts iron or steel, while electric relates to electricity and the flow of electrical charge. The two are closely connected in physics through electromagnetism but describe different effects.
What nouns commonly follow magnetic?
Frequent collocations include magnetic field, magnetic pole, magnetic force, and magnetic personality. The last of these uses the figurative sense meaning charismatic or highly attractive.
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