What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
captivating
Example
The movie had a captivating storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. [captivating: adjective]
Example
The speaker gave a captivating presentation that had the audience hooked from start to finish. [captivating: present participle]
engaging
Example
The book had an engaging writing style that made it hard to put down. [engaging: adjective]
Example
She is an engaging speaker who knows how to connect with her audience. [engaging: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Engaging is more commonly used than captivating in everyday language. Engaging is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while captivating is less common and may be used in more specific situations where a higher level of interest is desired.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between captivating and engaging?
Both captivating and engaging can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, captivating may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its stronger intensity and less frequent usage.
