at ‧ trac ‧ tion W3 /əˈtrækʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ attraction , ↑ attractiveness ; verb : ↑ attract ; adverb : ↑ attractively ; adjective : ↑ attractive ≠ ↑ unattractive ]
1 . [uncountable and countable] a feeling of liking someone, especially in a sexual way:
The attraction between them was almost immediate.
2 . [countable] something interesting or enjoyable to see or do:
The beautiful beaches are the island’s main attraction (=most popular place, activity etc) .
tourist attraction (=a place that many tourists visit)
3 . [uncountable and countable] a feature or quality that makes something seem interesting or enjoyable
attraction of
Being your own boss is one of the attractions of owning your own business.
4 . [uncountable and countable] technical a force which makes things move together or stay together:
the gravitational attraction between the Earth and the Moon
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + attraction
▪ the main attraction
The lovely countryside is obviously the main attraction for visitors.
▪ the star attraction (=someone or something that many people want to see)
The former President was the star attraction of the conference.
▪ a popular attraction
The zoo is by far the most popular attraction.
▪ a big/major attraction
The ducks and geese are a big attraction to children.
▪ a special attraction
A special attraction is the tropical greenhouse.
▪ a tourist attraction
The British Museum is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions.
▪ a visitor attraction
The park will be a new visitor attraction for the town.
■ verbs
▪ be/become/prove an attraction
The organisers hope the event will become an annual attraction.
• • •
THESAURUS (for Meaning 3)
▪ attraction noun [uncountable and countable] a feature or quality that makes people like, want, or feel interested in something:
The excitement is part of the attraction of the job.
|
For many mothers, the attraction of childcare in the workplace is the chance to be near their children.
|
The idea of living in another country does have a certain attraction.
▪ appeal noun [uncountable and countable] a quality that makes people like something or someone:
Much of Corfu’s appeal lies in its lively night life.
|
I don’t understand the appeal of this kind of music.
▪ the lure of something noun [singular] a very attractive quality that makes you want something very much – often used about something that has a bad effect or influence:
It’s hard to resist the lure of credit cards and easy money.
|
The lure of urban life is especially powerful for the young.
▪ charm noun [uncountable and countable] a pleasant quality that someone or something has that makes people like them, feel attracted to them, or be influenced by them:
He was physically attractive and possessed considerable personal charm.
|
The book captures Savannah’s old Southern charm perfectly.
▪ glamour noun [uncountable] the attractive and exciting quality that is connected with wealth and success:
the glamour of Monte Carlo
|
Hollywood glamour
|
The world of modelling is famous for its glitz and glamour.
▪ draw noun [singular] something that makes people want to do something or go somewhere:
The money is a big draw for many players.
|
The island’s main draw is its wonderful beaches.