riveting
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: - Capable of arousing and holding the attention; completely engrossing. Describes something so interesting or exciting that it commands one's full focus, making it difficult to stop watching, listening to, or thinking about.
Usage
The adjective "riveting" is used to describe an experience, performance, story, or spectacle that is intensely captivating. It implies a high degree of engagement and is a strong compliment. It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like was or seemed).
Examples
- The documentary about deep-sea exploration was absolutely riveting from start to finish.
- She gave a riveting performance that left the audience speechless.
- The final chapters of the mystery novel were so riveting that I read all night.
- His account of the historical event was riveting.
Advanced Usage
- "to find something riveting": To experience something as completely captivating.
- I found the lecture on quantum physics surprisingly riveting.
- Used in comparative and superlative forms: more riveting, most riveting.
- The sequel was even more riveting than the original film.
Variants and Related Words
- Rivet (verb): To hold (someone's attention) completely. (e.g., )
- Riveted (adjective): Describes a person whose attention is completely held. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Captivating: Attracting and holding interest or attention.
- Engrossing: Absorbing all one's attention or interest.
- Fascinating: Extremely interesting.
- Gripping: Firmly holding the attention; exciting.
- Spellbinding: Holding one's attention completely as if by magic.
Antonyms
- Boring: Not interesting; tedious.
- Dull: Lacking interest or excitement.
- Tedious: Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous.
- Uninteresting: Not arousing curiosity or interest.
Idioms and Phrases
- "To be riveted to the spot": To be so shocked, fascinated, or frightened that one cannot move.
- The unexpected news left her riveted to the spot. (Note: This idiom uses the related verb/adjective "riveted," not the adjective "riveting" itself, but it is a common phrase stemming from the same root concept of being fixed in place by attention or shock.)
Adjective
- capable of arousing and holding the attention
- a fascinating story