B2adjective2K

Charming

UK /["/ˈtʃɑːmɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈtʃɑːrmɪŋ/"]/

Definition

very pleasant or attractive

In simple words: Pleasant and attractive in a nice way.

Examples

  • The cottage is tiny, but it's charming.
  • She's a charming person.
  • What a charming name.
  • an exquisitely charming portrait
  • He was certainly charming, but he was also ruthless and ambitious.
  • We visited the charming old spa town of Moffat.
  • What is she really like behind that charming facade?
  • They left me to tidy it all up myself. Charming, wasn't it?

Usage notes

Use 'charming' to describe people or places that have a delightful or attractive quality. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts but avoid using it sarcastically.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'charm' — a spell that makes things attractive.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • very
  • etc.

Synonyms

  • delightful
  • enchanting
  • captivating
  • appealing
  • attractive

Antonyms

  • unpleasant
  • off-putting
  • boring

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'charming' with 'charismatic' (charming is more about pleasantness).
  • Using 'charming' only for people instead of places or experiences.
  • Overusing it in negative contexts.