enrapture
C1Formal / Literary
Definition
Meaning
to fill someone with intense delight or joy.
To captivate completely, often to the point of overwhelming emotional response; typically refers to a powerful aesthetic, emotional, or spiritual experience.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a powerful, often passive state of being overcome by beauty, wonder, or intense pleasure. More intense than 'delight' or 'please'; closer to 'entrance' or 'transport'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
Strongly positive. Associated with romantic, artistic, or sublime experiences.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both dialects, used more in writing than speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[sb] enraptures [sb][sb] is enraptured by/with [sth]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To hold someone enraptured”
- “To fall enraptured”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used hyperbolically: 'The CEO's vision enraptured the entire board.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, art history, musicology: 'The poem's imagery enraptured its Victorian readers.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used for emphasis: 'The sunset enraptured us.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The orchestra's performance enraptured the entire Royal Festival Hall.
- Her recitation of the sonnet utterly enraptured him.
American English
- The guitarist's solo enraptured the crowd at Coachella.
- The grandeur of the canyon completely enraptured the tourists.
adverb
British English
- The children listened enrapturedly to the storyteller. (Rare, but possible)
American English
- The audience watched enrapturedly as the magician performed. (Rare, but possible)
adjective
British English
- The enraptured spectators gave a standing ovation.
- He listened with an enraptured expression.
American English
- She watched the fireworks with an enraptured gaze.
- The enraptured fans cheered for an encore.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The beautiful song enraptured everyone.
- He was enraptured by the lovely painting.
- The violinist's passionate playing enraptured the entire concert hall.
- Standing before the ancient temple, she felt completely enraptured.
- The poet's evocative verses enraptured critics and common readers alike.
- Enraptured by the philosopher's argument, she spent hours contemplating its implications.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ENRAPTURE sounds like 'in raptor' – imagine being so delighted you're caught 'in' the claws of a joyful 'raptor' (bird of prey).
Conceptual Metaphor
JOY IS A CAPTOR (enraptured = captured by joy). BEAUTY IS A SPELL (enraptured = enchanted).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'восхищать' (to admire) – 'enrapture' is stronger, more emotional.
- Closer to 'приводить в восторг' or 'околдовывать' (to bewitch).
- Avoid using for mild pleasure.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'like' (Incorrect: 'I enraptured the film.').
- Using active voice incorrectly when the subject is the experience (Incorrect: 'The music enraptured by the audience.').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'enraptured' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily found in literary, artistic, or descriptive contexts.
Rarely. It almost always carries a positive connotation of being overcome by beauty or joy. In a negative context, it might imply an unhealthy obsession ('enraptured by his own fame').
'Enrapture' suggests a stronger, more emotional, and often more passive state of being overwhelmed with delight. 'Captivate' focuses more on holding attention firmly, with less emphasis on intense emotional joy.
Yes, the past participle 'enraptured' is more frequently used as an adjective (e.g., 'an enraptured audience') than the base verb form is used actively.