What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spellbound
Example
The audience was spellbound by the magician's performance. [spellbound: adjective]
Example
She was left spellbound by the beauty of the sunset. [spellbound: past participle]
captivated
Example
The children were captivated by the storybook's illustrations. [captivated: adjective]
Example
He was captivated by her beauty and intelligence. [captivated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Captivated is more commonly used than spellbound in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spellbound and captivated?
Both spellbound and captivated are formal words that are appropriate for use in writing or speaking contexts that require a higher level of formality or sophistication.
