fascinating
gb/fˈæsənˌeɪtɪŋ/ us/fˈæsənˌeɪtɪŋ/
B1
English
~ 9300
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
extremely interesting and absorbing
Very, very interesting and making you want to keep watching, listening, or thinking about it.
Usage pattern:
to find [something] fascinating
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "fascinating" with "fascinated". Use "fascinating" to describe the thing (a fascinating book), and "fascinated" to describe the person (I am fascinated by this book). Another mistake is using "fascinating" too often where "interesting" is enough; "fascinating" is stronger and should be kept for things that are especially interesting.
Synonyms
very interesting (More basic and weaker; does not sound as strong or expressive as "fascinating".)
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captivating (Suggests that something completely holds your attention, sometimes in an emotional or beautiful way.)
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absorbing (Often used for activities or topics that you can concentrate on deeply for a long time.)
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compelling (Adds a sense that something strongly demands attention, sometimes because it is powerful or serious.)
Antonyms
boring (Describes something that does not hold your attention at all, the opposite of "fascinating".)
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dull (Suggests something is not interesting or lively, lacking anything fascinating.)
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uninteresting (More formal and neutral; simply means it does not interest you.)
Collocations
find [something] fascinating
|absolutely fascinating
|fascinating story
|fascinating subject
|truly fascinating
|a fascinating insight
Themes
emotions
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The documentary about deep-sea creatures was absolutely fascinating.
- I find the history of ancient languages fascinating, even though it can be difficult to understand.
- Her talk on artificial intelligence was fascinating from beginning to end.
- It’s fascinating how quickly children can learn new technology.
- The way the brain processes memories is a fascinating subject for scientists.
Learner examples
- This book about space is fascinating.
- I think his idea is fascinating.
- The film was so fascinating that I forgot the time.
- It is fascinating to see how they make cars.
- Many people find human behavior fascinating.
adjective
B2
property
2
very attractive or charming
Very attractive or special, so that you really want to look at or know more about someone or something.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is fascinating
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "fascinating" only for ideas or facts and forget it can describe people or places too (a fascinating person, a fascinating city). Also, when describing how a person feels attracted, remember to say "I am fascinated by her" (feeling) versus "She is fascinating" (her quality).
Synonyms
charming (Focuses more on pleasant, friendly, or sweet qualities that attract you.)
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intriguing (Suggests something or someone is mysterious and makes you curious, not always obviously attractive.)
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alluring (Often suggests a strong, sometimes sensual or glamorous attraction.)
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enchanting (Has a more romantic or fairy-tale feel, as if someone or something has a magical charm.)
Antonyms
unattractive (Directly states that a person or thing does not look or seem appealing.)
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dull (Suggests that a person, place, or lifestyle feels flat and not interesting or attractive.)
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off-putting (Means something actually pushes you away or makes you not want to get closer, instead of drawing you in.)
Collocations
a fascinating woman
|fascinating personality
|fascinating culture
|fascinating city
|find [someone] fascinating
|fascinating to watch
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|appearance
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He has a fascinating personality that makes everyone want to talk to him.
- She told stories about her fascinating life as a photojournalist.
- Kyoto is a fascinating city, full of hidden temples and quiet streets.
- I’ve always thought your grandmother was a fascinating woman.
- Watching the lions interact in the wild was fascinating.
Learner examples
- She is a fascinating person to talk to.
- They live a fascinating life in many different countries.
- This old town is fascinating to walk around.
- I find his culture fascinating.
- The dancers were fascinating to watch.
Grammar
Dictionary form
fascinating
IPA
GB/fˈæsənˌeɪtɪŋ/
US/fˈæsənˌeɪtɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
fas - cin - at - ing (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (fas)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: fascinating
Word family
Core family
Related words
fascinatingly
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unfascinating
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.