What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alluring
Example
The alluring scent of freshly baked bread drew me into the bakery. [alluring: adjective]
Example
She had an alluring smile that made everyone feel welcome. [alluring: adjective]
Example
The idea of traveling to a foreign country was alluring to him. [alluring: gerund or present participle]
captivating
Example
The captivating beauty of the sunset left us speechless. [captivating: adjective]
Example
He was a captivating speaker who could hold an audience's attention for hours. [captivating: adjective]
Example
The movie was so captivating that I lost track of time. [captivating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Captivating is more commonly used than alluring in everyday language. Captivating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while alluring is less common and may have a negative connotation in certain contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between alluring and captivating?
Both alluring and captivating can be used in formal and informal contexts, but alluring may be more associated with a poetic or literary tone, while captivating is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.