attractive
gb/ətɹˈæktɪv/ us/ətɹˈæktɪv/
A2
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Pleasant to look at
Looking nice and pleasant to see.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is attractive
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'attractive' with 'active' due to similar spelling, but the meanings are unrelated.
Synonyms
good-looking (Informal and common; often used for people in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
unattractive (Direct opposite; lacking a pleasing appearance.)
Collocations
physically attractive
|very attractive
|find attractive
|attractive person
|attractive face
Themes
appearance
|relationships
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is an attractive woman with a warm smile.
- The city is especially attractive in the spring.
- He found her attractive the moment they met.
- The design is simple yet attractive.
- Many tourists find the old town very attractive.
Learner examples
- The girl is very attractive.
- This park is attractive in summer.
- He thinks his friend is attractive.
- The new shop is attractive to many people.
adjective
B1
property
2
Appealing or interesting
Making people want it or like it.
Usage pattern:
[something] is attractive to [someone]
Common mistake:
Some learners overuse 'beautiful' instead of 'attractive' when talking about offers or ideas; 'beautiful' usually applies to appearance or aesthetics.
Synonyms
appealing (Suggests something is pleasing or desirable in a broader sense, not just visually.)
Antonyms
unappealing (Suggests something lacks interest or desirability.)
Collocations
attractive offer
|attractive option
|attractive idea
|financially attractive
|attractive opportunity
Themes
business
|marketing
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The salary package is very attractive to new graduates.
- They made an attractive offer for the house.
- Working from home is an attractive option for many people.
- The idea of living abroad is attractive to her.
- This investment looks highly attractive at the moment.
Learner examples
- The job is attractive to me.
- The price is attractive for buyers.
- That plan is attractive for students.
- This food is attractive to children.
adjective
technical
B2
property
3
Exerting a pull or draw
Able to pull other things toward it.
Synonyms
magnetic (In physics, refers specifically to magnetic forces; can also have figurative meaning.)
Antonyms
repulsive (In physics, refers to a force that pushes objects apart.)
Collocations
attractive force
|attractive interaction
|attractive potential
Themes
science
|physics
|technology
Examples
- Gravity is an attractive force between masses.
- Opposite charges have an attractive interaction in physics.
- The planets remain in orbit due to the Sun’s attractive pull.
Learner examples
- The Earth has an attractive force on the Moon.
- A magnet has an attractive side and a repulsive side.
- Opposite charges have an attractive force.
Grammar
Dictionary form
attractive
IPA
GB/ətɹˈæktɪv/
US/ətɹˈæktɪv/
Syllables & stress
at - tract - ive (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tract)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: attractive
Word family
Core family
attract
verb A2
attraction
noun B1
Related words
attractively
adverb
attractiveness
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unattractive
adjective B2
Expressions
find [someone/something] attractive
1/fˈaɪnd sˈoʊmˈoʊnsəmˈɛθɪŋ ətɹˈæktɪv/
fixed phrase
Think someone/something looks good or appealing
To think someone or something looks nice or is appealing.
Examples
- I find this color scheme very attractive.
- She finds him attractive despite their differences.
physically attractive
1/fˈɪzɪkli ətɹˈæktɪv/
fixed phrase
Good-looking in appearance
Looking nice in the body or face.
Examples
- Both actors are physically attractive and talented.
- She’s not just physically attractive; she’s also very smart.
an attractive proposition
1/ən ətɹˈæktɪv pɹˌɑpəzˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
appealing offer or situation
A plan, offer, or situation that seems very good and makes you want to accept it.
Examples
- Working from home full-time is an attractive proposition for many employees.
- Living by the sea all year is an attractive proposition.
- For investors, the company's growth makes it an attractive proposition.
- For many workers, flexible hours are an attractive proposition.
- The salary made the job an attractive proposition despite the long commute.