riveting — completely engrossing; compelling
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: completely engrossing; compelling
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The mystery novel was so riveting that I forgot to eat dinner.
- His riveting presentation about tax law somehow made accounting seem exciting.
- The riveting debate kept the audience on the edge of their seats for three hours.
riveting
ADJECTIVE[/ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/]
completely engrossing; compelling
a passionate theater actor delivers a powerful monologue with dramatic gestures and intense facial expressions. The actor's performance radiates energy as they command the stage with every movement. The entire audience sits motionless, leaning forward with wide eyes and open mouths, completely mesmerized. Every person in the theater appears frozen in attention, unable to look away from the compelling performance. Children and adults alike share the same expressions of total fascination and wonder. people being completely engrossed and compelled by what they're experiencing
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French 'river' meaning 'to fix with rivets (metal bolts)'. The metaphorical sense of 'holding attention firmly' developed from the idea that rivets fasten metal pieces so securely they cannot be separated.
Breakdown
rivet (to fasten with metal bolts) + -ing (present participle suffix meaning 'causing the action')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The mystery novel was so riveting that I forgot to eat dinner.”
“His riveting presentation about tax law somehow made accounting seem exciting.”
“The riveting debate kept the audience on the edge of their seats for three hours.”
“She found his lecture on paint drying surprisingly riveting.”
📚Related Words
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