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 stood spellbound, unable to move, as the car crashed into the wall. [spellbound: past participle]
mesmerized
Example
The children were mesmerized by the colorful fish in the aquarium. [mesmerized: adjective]
Example
He was mesmerized by the hypnotist's swinging watch. [mesmerized: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mesmerized is more commonly used in everyday language than spellbound. Mesmerized is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while spellbound is less common and has a more mystical connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spellbound and mesmerized?
Both spellbound and mesmerized are considered formal words and may not be used in casual conversations. However, mesmerized is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
