What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intrigued
Example
I was intrigued by the strange noise coming from the attic. [intrigued: past tense]
Example
The detective was intrigued by the cryptic message left at the crime scene. [intrigued: adjective]
captivated
Example
The audience was captivated by the magician's performance. [captivated: past tense]
Example
She was captivated by the beauty of the sunset over the ocean. [captivated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intrigued and captivated are both less common words in everyday language, but they are still useful for expressing specific emotions and reactions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intrigued and captivated?
Both intrigued and captivated are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts, but captivated may be more commonly used in creative writing or storytelling due to its positive connotation.
