Attractive, a.
Etymology: [Cf. F. attractif.]
1. Having the power or quality of attracting or drawing; as, the attractive force of bodies. Sir I. Newton.
2. Attracting or drawing by moral influence or pleasurable emotion; alluring; inviting; pleasing. "Attractive graces." Milton. "Attractive eyes." Thackeray. Flowers of a livid yellow, or fleshy color, are most attractive to flies. Lubbock. -- At*tract"ive*ly, adv. -- At*tract"ive*ness, n.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Attractive, n.
That which attracts or draws; an attraction; an allurement. Speaks nothing but attractives and invitation. South.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for attractive; he lists it under amiable, beautiful, pleasant.
Where he writes about it:
A selfish man of the world may have the art to be agreeable; a handsome, brilliant, and witty person may be charming or even attractive, while by no means amiable. — from amiable
One who possesses vivacity, wit, good nature, or other pleasing qualities may be attractive without beauty. — from beautiful
Synonyms
Antonyms
acrimoniousarrogantaustereawkwardchurlishclumsycrabbedcruelcrustydeformeddisagreeabledisgustingdispleasingdoggeddrearyforbiddingfrightfulghastlygloomyglumgrimgrislygrotesquegruffharshhatefulhideoushorridill-conditionedill-humoredill-naturedill-temperedmoroseodiousoffensiverepellentrepellingrepulsiveshockingsoursullensurlyuglyunamiableunattractiveuncouthungainlyunkindunlovelyunpleasant