attractive

[uh-trak-tiv]

adjective

1. providing pleasure or delight, especially in appearance or manner; pleasing; charming; alluring.

   an attractive personality.

2. arousing interest or engaging one's thought, consideration, etc.: an attractive price.

   an attractive idea;

   an attractive price.

3. having the quality of attracting.

attractive

/ əˈtræktɪv /

adjective

1. appealing to the senses or mind through beauty, form, character, etc

2. arousing interest

   an attractive opportunity

3. possessing the ability to draw or pull

   an attractive force

Other Word Forms

• attractively adverb
• attractiveness noun
• superattractive adjective
• unattractive adjective
• unattractively adverb
• unattractiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attractive¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English attractif, attractive, (from Middle French at(t)ractif ), from Late Latin attractīvus “(of a medicine) having drawing power, absorptive,” derivative of attractus , “drawn, contracted,” attract, -ive

Example Sentences

It is one of the highest tariffs imposed by Washington and risks making the world's biggest economy less attractive for Brazilian exporters.

From BBC

But what makes the show worth watching are Weatherly and De Pablo, two extremely attractive middle-aged people with genuine chemistry; he’s superheroically unflappable without ever seeming anything but a regular Joe.

From Los Angeles Times

Prof Mabbott said: "Living a lot longer, but suffering from the multiple morbidities that can accompany ageing, and in-and-out of hospital for another tissue transplant does not sound an attractive way to spend my retirement!"

From BBC

Analysts say the price has also been lifted by expectations that the US central bank will cut its key interest rate, making gold an even more attractive prospect for investors.

From BBC

They felt this was a time to take advantage of the fact that, as champions, they would be more attractive to potential signings.

From BBC

Related Words

• alluring 
• beautiful 
• charming 
• engaging 
• enticing 
• fair 
• glamorous 
• good-looking 
• gorgeous 
• handsome 
• interesting 
• inviting 
• lovely 
• pleasant 
• pleasing 
• tempting