enchant
B2Neutral to slightly formal/literary.
Definition
Meaning
to attract someone deeply; to delight or charm completely, often to the point of seeming magical.
To cast a spell on someone (literal magic); to fill someone with great delight or pleasure (figurative).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a powerful, captivating charm that seems almost magical or supernatural. The figurative sense is now more common than the literal 'cast a spell' sense. The past participle 'enchanted' is frequently used as an adjective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are standard.
Connotations
Slightly more common in literary or descriptive contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] enchant [Object][Subject] be enchanted by/with [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “enchanted forest”
- “enchanted evening”
- “under an enchantment (literal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in marketing: 'The new design aims to enchant our customers.'
Academic
Rare, except in literary or cultural studies discussing themes of magic or allure.
Everyday
Used to describe being deeply charmed by something: 'That little café enchanted us.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The performance at the Globe Theatre utterly enchanted the audience.
- The old tales of Cornwall continue to enchant new generations.
American English
- The magician's act enchanted everyone at the county fair.
- The vibrant street art in Austin truly enchants visitors.
adverb
British English
- The garden was enchantingly beautiful in the moonlight.
- He spoke enchantingly of his travels.
American English
- The display was enchantingly clever and interactive.
- She smiled enchantingly at the camera.
adjective
British English
- The children listened, enchanted, to the storyteller.
- We spent an enchanted afternoon in the Cotswolds.
American English
- She had an enchanted look on her face during the concert.
- They promised an enchanted wedding at a Disney theme park.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The fairy tale enchanted the little girl.
- He was enchanted by the cute puppy.
- The beautiful music enchanted everyone in the room.
- We were completely enchanted by the old town's charm.
- The novelist has a unique ability to enchant readers with her vivid descriptions.
- Despite its age, the myth continues to enchant modern audiences.
- The director's latest film seeks not just to entertain but to enchant, weaving a visual spell over the viewer.
- Critics were enchanted by the ballet's innovative choreography and haunting score.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHANT in a magical forest that puts a spell (EN) on you. EN + CHANT = to charm with a magical song.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTION IS MAGIC. (e.g., 'She was under his spell,' 'He was bewitched by her.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from Russian 'очаровать' in all contexts; 'enchant' is stronger and more literary than 'like very much'.
- The adjective 'enchanted' does not mean 'enchating' (that's 'enchanting'). 'Enchanted' means 'charmed/delighted' or 'under a spell'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'enchant' (verb) with 'enchanting' (adj).
- Overusing in everyday speech where 'charm' or 'delight' would be more natural.
- Incorrect: 'I was enchanting by the music.' Correct: 'I was enchanted by the music.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'enchant' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Enchant' implies a magical or spellbinding delight, strongest of the three. 'Charm' suggests pleasing attractiveness. 'Fascinate' implies absorbing interest, often intellectual.
Rarely. Its core meaning is positive (delight). The literal sense 'cast a spell' could be for good or ill, but the figurative sense is almost always positive. For negative captivation, use 'bewitch' or 'entrance' in context.
It is not an everyday, high-frequency word. It is more common in written English, literature, reviews, and descriptive language than in casual conversation, where 'love', 'really like', or 'charm' might be used instead.
The main noun forms are 'enchantment' (the state of being enchanted or the thing that enchants) and 'enchanter'/'enchantress' (a person who enchants, often magical).