What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intrigued
Example
I'm intrigued by the plot of this book. [intrigued: adjective]
Example
The detective was intrigued by the strange behavior of the suspect. [intrigued: past tense verb]
fascinated
Example
I'm fascinated by the history of ancient civilizations. [fascinated: adjective]
Example
The child was fascinated by the colorful butterflies in the garden. [fascinated: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fascinated is more commonly used than intrigued in everyday language. Fascinated is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while intrigued is less common and typically used in more formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between intrigued and fascinated?
Intrigued is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional settings. Fascinated is more commonly used in informal contexts, such as casual conversations or personal writing.