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Definition of captivating
captivating
/ˈkæp.tɪ.veɪ.tɪŋ/
cap · ti · vat · ing
Adverb:captivatingly
captivating Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
7
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
4
captivating Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Capable of attracting and holding interest or attention through beauty, charm, or excellence; enchanting.
Example
"The documentary featured captivating footage of rare marine life in the deep ocean."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for captivating Antonyms
View all antonyms for captivating• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed as a participial adjective from the verb 'captivate', which derives from Late Latin 'captivare' ('to take captive'), from Latin 'captivus' ('caught, taken prisoner'), ultimately rooted in 'capere' ('to take or seize').
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Captivating. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/captivating