magnetism
gb/mˈæɡnɪtˌɪzəm/ us/mˈæɡnɪtˌɪzəm/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
B2
property
1
force of magnets and magnetic fields
the force that makes magnets pull or push
Usage pattern:
[the] magnetism of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse magnetism (a force/phenomenon) with a magnet (an object that produces it).
Synonyms
magnetic force (Highlights the force aspect rather than the whole phenomenon.)
Antonyms
repulsion (The opposite effect when objects push away rather than attract.)
Collocations
earth's magnetism
|magnetism of iron
|residual magnetism
|induced magnetism
|magnetic field
|magnetic force
|magnetic attraction
|magnetic flux
|strong magnetism
|magnetism changes
Themes
science
|physics
|technology
Examples
- Magnetism makes the compass needle point north.
- Heating the metal reduced its magnetism.
- Scientists measured changes in Earth’s magnetism during the storm.
Learner examples
- Magnetism makes a magnet attract iron.
- A compass works because of magnetism.
Noun
technical
C1
abstract
2
study of magnetic phenomena
the science of magnets and magnetic fields
Usage pattern:
[study of] magnetism
Synonyms
magnetics (A technical term, often used in engineering contexts.)
Antonyms
nonmagnetic behavior (Describes materials or systems that do not show magnetic effects.)
Collocations
electricity and magnetism
|magnetism and electromagnetism
|the theory of magnetism
|a course in magnetism
|magnetism research
|classical magnetism
|quantum magnetism
Themes
science
|education
|physics
Examples
- In physics class we covered electricity and magnetism.
- Her research focuses on magnetism in ultra-thin materials.
- The textbook has a chapter on magnetism and magnetic fields.
Learner examples
- We studied magnetism in science.
- Magnetism is part of physics.
Noun
C1
property
3
strong personal charm and appeal
a special charm that attracts people
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s magnetism
Common mistake:
This is figurative; it does not mean literal magnets.
Synonyms
charisma (Often suggests social influence and leadership as well as charm.)
|
appeal (More general and less intense than magnetism.)
Antonyms
dullness (Lack of interest or attraction to others.)
Collocations
natural magnetism
|quiet magnetism
|sheer magnetism
|star magnetism
|aura and magnetism
|project magnetism
|lose your magnetism
|magnetism on stage
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|social
Examples
- Her magnetism made people listen the moment she spoke.
- He has a calm magnetism that draws strangers in.
- The actor’s magnetism carried the entire film.
Learner examples
- She has a lot of magnetism.
- His magnetism attracts people.
Noun
C1
state
4
mutual attraction between people
a strong attraction between two people
Usage pattern:
magnetism between [two people]
Synonyms
chemistry (Very common for romantic/sexual connection; slightly broader.)
|
attraction (More general and can be one-sided.)
Antonyms
lack of chemistry (No feeling of connection or attraction.)
Collocations
instant magnetism
|sexual magnetism
|obvious magnetism
|unmistakable magnetism
|feel the magnetism
|magnetism between them
|magnetism between the two
|a spark of magnetism
Themes
relationships
|emotions
Examples
- There was real magnetism between them from the first meeting.
- On screen, the two leads have incredible magnetism.
- Despite their differences, the magnetism between them was obvious.
Learner examples
- There is magnetism between them.
- They felt magnetism at once.
Grammar
Dictionary form
magnetism
IPA
GB/mˈæɡnɪtˌɪzəm/
US/mˈæɡnɪtˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
mag - net - ism (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mag)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: magnetism
- Plural: magnetism
Word family
Related words
magnetically
adverb B2
magnetization
noun
Advanced or less common
electromagnet
noun
electromagnetic
adjective C1
Expressions
animal magnetism
1/ˈænəməl mˈæɡnɪtˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
strong sexual charm
strong, sexy charm
Examples
- The singer has undeniable animal magnetism on stage.
- His animal magnetism made headlines as much as his acting.
- She played the role with confidence and animal magnetism.
magnetism between (two people)
1/mˈæɡnɪtˌɪzəm bɪtwˈin tˈu pˈipəl/
fixed phrase
strong attraction between two people
a strong attraction between two people
Examples
- Everyone could see the magnetism between the two stars.
- The magnetism between them felt natural, not forced.
- Without magnetism between the characters, the romance doesn’t work.