magnetic

magnetic — adjective

1. describes a metal object that attracts iron, steel, or other materials that resp

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describes a metal object that attracts iron, steel, or other materials that respond to a magnet

Example

The fridge door has a magnetic strip that keeps it closed tightly.

attributive: magnetic + noun (strip)

Lien attached a magnetic knife holder to the kitchen wall.

Common collocations
  • magnetic strip
  • magnetic material
  • magnetic object
Synonyms
  • magnetized

    implies the object was deliberately made into a magnet, while 'magnetic' can describe a natural property

Antonyms
  • non-magnetic

    describes objects that do not attract iron or steel

Usage Note

Describes the object that does the attracting, not the object being attracted. For the property of being pulled toward a magnet, see sense 2.

Common Mistakes

The paperclip is magnetic because it attracts a magnet.
The paperclip can be attracted by a magnet because it is made of magnetic material.
The object that pulls is magnetic in sense 1; the object that gets pulled is magnetic in sense 2.

2. describes a metal or material that can be pulled toward a magnet when placed clo

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

describes a metal or material that can be pulled toward a magnet when placed close enough

Example

Wei held a magnet near a steel pot to check whether the metal was magnetic.

predicative: metal + be + magnetic

The recycling centre uses a strong magnet to separate magnetic metals from other waste.

attributive: magnetic metals

Common collocations
  • magnetic metals
  • magnetic materials
  • is magnetic
Synonyms
  • magnetizable

    more technical; implies the material can be made into a magnet, not just attracted to one

Antonyms
  • non-magnetic

    describes metals such as copper or aluminium that a magnet cannot pull

Usage Note

Can appear predicatively (X is magnetic) or attributively (magnetic metals). Distinct from sense 1, where the object itself attracts other items.

3. relating to or produced by the physical force that pulls certain metals toward m

3.adjectiveB2
Definition

relating to or produced by the physical force that pulls certain metals toward magnets or pushes magnets away from one another

Example

The Earth's magnetic field protects us from harmful particles coming from the Sun.

collocation: magnetic field

An MRI machine uses a powerful magnetic force to create detailed images of the body.

collocation: magnetic force

Common collocations
  • magnetic field
  • magnetic force
  • magnetic pole
  • magnetic resonance
  • magnetic levitation
Synonyms
  • electromagnetic

    refers specifically to the combined force of electricity and magnetism; a narrower technical term

Usage Note

Frequently appears in scientific and technical contexts. Commonly paired with nouns such as field, force, pole, and resonance.

Common Mistakes

The magnetic field attracts paperclips.
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where its force can be felt.
The field itself does not attract; it is the area where the attracting force exists.

4. having a powerful quality that draws people's attention and makes them want to b

4.adjectiveB2
Definition

having a powerful quality that draws people's attention and makes them want to be near you or follow you

Example

The new coach had a magnetic personality that made every player want to try harder.

collocation: magnetic personality

Asher's magnetic smile and warm voice drew people to him wherever he went.

Common collocations
  • magnetic personality
  • magnetic presence
  • magnetic smile
  • magnetic charm
  • magnetic effect
Synonyms
  • charismatic

    very close in meaning; 'charismatic' may emphasise natural leadership while 'magnetic' focuses on the pulling effect

  • captivating

    emphasises holding someone's interest rather than pulling them toward you

  • compelling

    suggests an irresistible quality that demands attention

Antonyms
  • repellent

    describes someone who pushes others away rather than drawing them in

  • dull

    lacking the interesting quality that attracts attention

Usage Note

Used figuratively. Not limited to romantic attraction — often describes leaders, teachers, performers, or anyone with strong personal charisma.

Common Mistakes

She is magnetic' (without context, unclear which sense).
She has a magnetic personality that draws people to her.
Adding context makes the figurative meaning clear.

magnetic — noun

Word family

  • magnet
    nounB1
  • magnetism
    nounB2
  • magnetize
    verbC1
  • magnetically
    adverbB2
  • non-magnetic
    adjectiveB2
  • demagnetize
    verbC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/4

Of these four words, magnetic most strongly conveys a force that pulls people toward you almost involuntarily — like a magnet drawing metal. Charismatic is the closest synonym and carries a similar meaning, but it often implies natural leadership and eloquence in public settings. Captivating emphasises holding someone's complete interest (a captivating story, a captivating performance) rather than drawing them in personally. Compelling suggests an irresistible urgency that demands attention, but it is less personal and more often used for arguments, evidence, or narratives than for people. In practice: 'The CEO was a magnetic presence who drew top talent to the company' highlights the pulling effect, whereas 'a charismatic leader who inspired deep loyalty' focuses on personal appeal and influence.

charismatic ↗captivatingcompelling ↗magnetic ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • strongly magnetic
  • highly magnetic
  • weakly magnetic
  • slightly magnetic

Phrases

  • magnetic field
  • magnetic personality
  • magnetic levitation
  • magnetic resonance imaging
  • magnetic north
  • magnetic stripe

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Magnetic traces back through Latin magneticus to the Greek word magnētis (lithos), meaning 'stone from Magnesia' — a region in ancient Greece where magnetic iron ore, now called lodestone, was found in abundance. The figurative sense describing an attractive personality emerged in the early 1800s as writers extended the physical concept of pulling metal toward a person's social power of drawing others in.