captivating
UK: ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ | US: ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ
adj. capable of attracting and holding interest or attention; charming.
vt. (present participle of "captivate") to attract and hold by charm, beauty, or excellence.
The word "captivating" derives from the Latin captivare ("to take captive"), via captivus ("captive"). The root "captiv" reflects the idea of seizing or capturing attention, while the suffix "-ing" transforms it into an adjective describing the effect. Over time, the meaning softened from literal capture to figurative enchantment, emphasizing charm rather than force.
Her captivating smile drew everyone’s gaze.
The novel’s plot was so captivating that I finished it in one sitting.
His speech was captivating, leaving the audience spellbound.
The artist’s use of color creates a captivating visual experience.
Nature documentaries often feature captivating footage of wildlife.