Reading Theme:
Magnetic: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：highly attractive (magnetic)
magnetic
/mæɡˈnetɪk/
adj.
Describes a person or thing that attracts others strongly, like a magnet attracting metal.
highly attractive
➕
/ˈhaɪli əˈtræktɪv/
adj.
Used figuratively to describe a person, quality, or thing that exerts a powerful pull on others' interest, attention, or emotions, much like a physical magnet.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'magnet' (something that attracts) + '-ic' (forming adjectives).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'MAGic netIC'. Something magical that pulls people in, like a net.
📖 Example
Her magnetic smile and confident voice immediately captured the attention of everyone in the interview room.
Her smile, which had a powerful attractive quality, along with her confident voice, instantly drew the focus of all the interviewers.
🔗 Collocations
magnetic personality – a personality that draws others in
magnetic presence – a compelling aura that commands attention
magnetic appeal – a strong, attractive charm
🔄 Synonyms
charismatic (adj.) – exercising a compelling charm which inspires devotion in others
captivating (adj.) – attracting and holding interest or attention
alluring (adj.) – powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating
🚫 Antonyms
repellent (adj.) – causing a feeling of distaste or aversion
unattractive (adj.) – not appealing or pleasing
off-putting (adj.) – causing annoyance or distaste
🌱 Derivatives
magnetism (n.) – the quality of being magnetic; personal charm or appeal
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from the Latin 'magnes', from 'Magnesia', a region in Asia Minor known for producing lodestone (a naturally magnetic mineral). The concept of magnetism was named after this place.
Meaning 2：having magnetic properties (magnetic)
magnetic
/mæɡˈnetɪk/
adj.
Having the power to attract iron or steel, like a magnet, or related to magnetism.
having magnetic properties
➕
/ˈhævɪŋ mæɡˈnetɪk ˈprɒpətiz/
adj.
Refers to the physical property of being able to attract iron or steel, or relating to the phenomena of magnetism. This is the literal, scientific meaning.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My new fridge door is covered with colorful magnetic letters, which I use to leave notes for my family.
The surface of my new refrigerator door is decorated with many brightly colored letters that stick to it because they contain magnets, and I use them to write messages for my family.
🔗 Collocations
magnetic field – the area around a magnet where its force is exerted
magnetic strip – a thin band of magnetized material, often on credit cards
magnetic force – the attraction or repulsion between magnetic poles
🔄 Synonyms
attractive (adj.) – having the property of attracting iron or steel (in physics)
lodestone (n.) – a naturally magnetized piece of mineral (magnetite)
🚫 Antonyms
non-magnetic (adj.) – not capable of being attracted by a magnet
diamagnetic (adj.) – tending to become magnetized in a direction at 180 degrees to the applied magnetic field, weakly repelled
🌱 Derivatives
magnet (n.) – an object that produces a magnetic field
magnetize (v.) – to make something magnetic
electromagnetic (adj.) – relating to the interrelation of electric currents and magnetic fields
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