Alluring

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /əˈlʊɹɪŋ/

Definitions

1. Possessing a captivating quality that strongly attracts attention and interest
2. Exhibiting a magnetic charm that draws others in and sparks interest
3. Showing a captivating beauty or charm that entices and fascinates

Etymology: "Alluring" is simply the adjective built from "allure" and the suffix "-ing," which in this use turns a verb into a describing word. The verb "allure" is itself the older piece: it entered English from Old French "alurer," meaning to lure or entice, and that French verb is built from "a-" (toward) and "lure," a term from falconry for the bait used to call a hawk back to the falconer's fist. The lure was a bundle of feathers and meat swung on a cord, so the image behind the word is of something dangling in front of a bird to draw it back. The word "allure" thus began as a precise piece of hunting equipment before it came to describe anything charming. Its adjective form simply follows the same pattern as many English words ending in "-ing," describing whatever has the quality of drawing one in.

Synonyms: tempting, enticing, charming, captivating, seductive

Antonyms: repulsive, unattractive, off-putting