Meaning & use
magnetism
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Meanings
noununcountable
The physical force that attracts or repels certain materials, like iron.
Grammar: Uncountable; used without 'a' or plural: 'the magnetism of the Earth'.
Patterns
- magnetism of something
- animal magnetism
The magnetism of the Earth causes compass needles to point north.
Iron filings show the invisible lines of magnetism around a magnet.
noununcountable
A strong attractive charm or appeal that draws people's attention.
Grammar: Uncountable; often used with 'personal' or 'sexual'.
Patterns
- personal magnetism
- sexual magnetism
The actor's personal magnetism made him a favorite with audiences.
Her magnetism drew people to her at every party.
Common combinations
- animal magnetism
- The old theory of animal magnetism was later disproved.
- personal magnetism
- His personal magnetism helped him win the election.
- the magnetism of something
- The magnetism of the city attracts artists from everywhere.
- magnetism and electricity
- In physics, we study the relationship between magnetism and electricity.
Synonyms and how they differ
- attraction
- Can mean physical force or appeal; 'magnetism' is more specific to magnetic force or personal charm.
- charm
- Focuses on pleasant personality; 'magnetism' suggests a stronger, almost irresistible draw.
- appeal
- A more general word for attractiveness; 'magnetism' implies a powerful, almost physical pull.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: magnetism or magnitude?
magnetism vs magnitude
Means size or importance; not related to magnetic force.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'magnetism' in its physical sense?
Choose one answer.
Only option 0 refers to the physical force; the others use the figurative sense of charm or attraction.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “magnetism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.