The word “attract” is commonly used in our day-to-day life. We often use this word to describe something that draws our attention or interest. But what exactly does “attract” mean? In this article, we will delve into the definition, origin, and various meanings of the word “attract.”
Definitions
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the verb “attract” means to “draw towards oneself or itself by physical force or by inherent or natural qualities.” In simpler terms, it means to pull or draw something towards oneself.
Origin
The word “attract” originated from the Latin word “attrahere,” which means “to draw towards.” The word was first used in the English language in the 15th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, “attract” means “to cause to approach or adhere,” while Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to pull or draw someone or something towards them, by the qualities they have, especially good ones.”
Associations
The word “attract” is often associated with positive qualities such as beauty, charm, and charisma. It can also be associated with magnetic forces, gravitational pulls, and other physical phenomena that draw objects towards each other.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “attract” include allure, entice, draw, charm, and captivate.
Antonyms
Antonyms of “attract” include repel, deter, discourage, and dissuade.
The same root words
Words that share the same root as “attract” include “traction,” “detract,” and “extract.”
Example Sentences
- The beautiful sunset attracted a crowd of onlookers.
- The company’s generous benefits package is designed to attract top talent.
- The magnet attracted the metal object towards it.
- The unpleasant odor of the garbage can deterred people from approaching it.
- The new marketing campaign was meant to entice customers to try the product.
In conclusion, the word “attract” is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts. It has a rich history and has evolved to take on different meanings in different dictionaries. Understanding the true meaning of “attract” can help us use the word more effectively in our daily communication.