What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hypnotize
Example
The hypnotist was able to hypnotize the audience member with just a few words. [hypnotize: verb]
Example
She was so hypnotized by the music that she didn't even notice the time passing. [hypnotized: past tense]
captivate
Example
The speaker captivated the audience with her inspiring story. [captivate: verb]
Example
The stunning view from the mountaintop captivated her attention. [captivated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Captivate is more commonly used than hypnotize in everyday language. Captivate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hypnotize is less common and often associated with specific therapeutic or entertainment practices.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hypnotize and captivate?
While hypnotize is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, captivate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.