What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enthralling
Example
The enthralling novel kept me up all night. [enthralling: adjective]
Example
The audience was completely enthralled by the magician's performance. [enthralled: verb]
captivating
Example
The captivating sunset over the ocean took my breath away. [captivating: adjective]
Example
The speaker's captivating voice held the audience's attention throughout the entire presentation. [captivating: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Captivating is more commonly used than enthralling in everyday language. Captivating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while enthralling is less common and refers to a more intense and sustained level of interest and engagement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enthralling and captivating?
Both enthralling and captivating are associated with a formal and literary tone, but they can also be used in informal contexts to express admiration or appreciation.