attractive

Exerting a virtual force on your attention. If you look into a given field, and something attractive is there, your gaze moves towards the attractive thing. Color, pattern, movement, shape and private associations all seem to play into what makes something attractive to someone. Complex things, or things with which we can have complex relationships (such as a car, or a person) can change in their attractiveness over time.

At*tract"ive (#), a. [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.

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.

© Webster 1913.

At*tract"ive, n.

That which attracts or draws; an attraction; an allurement.

Speaks nothing but attractives and invitation. South.

<-- p. 100 -->

<-- p. 100 -->

© Webster 1913.