What is attract? Pronunciation and usage in English

attract means . Learn how to pronounce and use attract through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of attract

attractverb

/əˈtrakt/
Definition & pronunciation of attract

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "attract" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic guidance:

1. The Basic Sound:

The word is generally pronounced with a soft "uh" sound followed by "trak."

2. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ˈæt.rɑkt/

Let's break down each part:

  • ˈæt - This is the first syllable.
    • ˈa - The "a" sound is like the "a" in "father" - a short, open "ah" sound. The apostrophe (ˈ) indicates the primary stress on this syllable.
    • t - This is a simple "t" sound.
  • rɑkt - This is the second syllable.
    • r - A very subtle "r" sound. It's not a rolled "r" like in Spanish. It's a light, quick "r" that blends into the next sound.
    • ɑkt - This part is where many people stumble. It's a combination of sounds:
      • ɑ - This is the "ah" sound, similar to the first syllable, but slightly stronger. Think of the "a" in "father" again.
      • kt - This is a "k" followed by a "t" sound.

3. Putting it Together - How to Say It Smoothly:

  1. Start with a short "ah" sound: Like in "father."
  2. Add the "t" sound: /t/
  3. Say a slightly stronger "ah" sound: /ɑ/
  4. Quickly blend it into the "t" sound: /kt/

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "r": It's a very light, almost barely-there "r." It almost disappears into the following vowel.
  • Don't pronounce it as "at-tract": That's a common mistake! The "a" sound in the middle is different.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Here are a few resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word attract in English

Let's break down how to use the word "attract" in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Draw or Pull Something In (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most basic meaning – to cause something to come towards you or move in a particular direction.
  • Examples:
    • "The bright lights attracted my attention." (The lights drew my attention.)
    • "A strong scent attracted the bees." (The scent pulled the bees in.)
    • "The waterfall attracted a lot of tourists." (The waterfall drew a lot of tourists.)
    • “The advertisement attracted many customers.” (The advertisement drew many customers)

2. To Appeal To Someone's Interest or Desire

  • Meaning: To make someone want something or be interested in something. This is often used with nouns related to feelings, emotions, or desires.
  • Examples:
    • "Her smile attracted everyone around her." (Her smile made people want to be near her.)
    • "The story’s suspense attracted me to read it." (The suspense made me want to read it.)
    • “His kindness attracted many friends.” (His kindness made people want to be his friend.)
    • "Luxury cars are designed to attract buyers." (They're designed to appeal to people who want to buy them.)

3. To Be Attractive (As a Person or Thing)

  • Meaning: To have a quality that makes people notice and find pleasing. Often used with adjectives like "beautiful," "handsome," "interesting," etc.
  • Examples:
    • "She has an attracting personality." (She has a personality that people find appealing.)
    • "His intelligence attracted many colleagues." (His intelligence made him appealing to colleagues.)
    • "The old house has an attracting charm." (The house has a charm that makes it appealing.)

4. (Of a Place) To Draw People To It

  • Meaning: Similar to pulling something in, but specifically about a location.
  • Examples:
    • “The city’s museums attract millions of visitors each year.” (The museums draw millions of visitors.)
    • "The seaside attracts families on holiday.” (The seaside draws families.)

Phrases Using "Attract":

  • Attract attention: To get someone’s notice.
  • Attract interest: To make someone want to know more.
  • Attract success: To lead to success.
  • Attract a crowd: To draw a large group of people.
  • Attract investment: To secure financial backing.

Tips for Using "Attract":

  • Think of it as "drawing in" or "appealing to." That’s a good starting point.
  • Consider the context. The specific meaning will depend on what’s being attracted.
  • Don't confuse it with "draw." While similar, "draw" often implies a more deliberate action (like drawing a picture) or a pulling force (like drawing water). "Attract" is generally more passive—it relies on qualities or circumstances.

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., writing, conversation, a specific topic like marketing?)
  • Is there a particular sentence you're struggling with that you’d like me to help you rewrite?

Synonyms for the word attract

Idioms of the word attract

opposites attract
used to say that people who are very different are often attracted to each other

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