Attracting describes the act of causing someone or something to come nearer or to draw interest or attention. It can refer to physical pull, appeal, or magnetism, as well as figurative pulls like attracting customers or attention. The term centers on initiating attraction or interest through action, appearance, or appeal, often implying ongoing influence rather than a one-time event.
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US: rhotic; 'r' after schwa can influence surrounding vowels, keep /əˈtræktɪŋ/ with clear /r/ only if pronounced; UK: non-rhotic; focus on avoiding an extra /r/ and crisp /t/ release; AU: similar to UK but with slightly broader vowels and a more relaxed /ɪ/; keep the final /ŋ/ steady and non-nasalized, anchor with proper tongue tip contact for /t/; IPA references help map target sounds.
"The bright banner and lights are attracting more customers to the store."
"Her charisma is attracting a lot of attention from the media."
"The campaign is designed to attract funding by highlighting its impact."
"The new design is attracting a younger audience to the app."
Attracting comes from the Latin ad- 'toward' + trahere 'to draw, pull'. The root trahere evolved into attract-, with the -ing suffix forming the present participle/gerund in English. The word appeared in Middle English via Old French attracter, influenced by Latin roots, and came to denote pulling toward or drawing attention. Over time, its usage broadened beyond physical pulling to include drawing interest, affection, or admiration. By the 16th–17th centuries, attract had become common in both literal and figurative senses, and attracting began to be used to describe ongoing processes of pulling in attention, money, or support. Today, attracting often implies a deliberate, sustained effort to create appeal or magnetism, whether in marketing, psychology, or interpersonal relations.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "attracting" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "attracting"
-ing sounds
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Pronounce it as /əˈtræk.tɪŋ/ in US and UK contexts, with secondary stress on the second syllable optional in fast speech. The first syllable is a schwa, the second carries primary stress on 'trak', and the final 'ting' has a short 'i' sound. Mouth positions: start with a relaxed jaw for schwa, then a crisp 'tr' blend, open front vowel 'æ' for 'trak', then a light 't' followed by a short 'ɪ' and a clear 'ŋ' at the end. You can listen to native speakers for nuance in different contexts.
Common errors: (1) Misplacing stress, saying /ˈætræk.tɪŋ/ with incorrect initial emphasis; (2) Dropping the 'r' after the schwa in non-rhotic accents, producing /əˈtæk.tɪŋ/; (3) Slurring the 't' into the following 'ti' sequence, making /ˈtræktɪŋ/ instead of /træk.tɪŋ/. Correction: keep the 'tr' cluster strong, ensure the second syllable carries the primary stress, and insert a light syllable boundary between 'trak' and 'ting' (i.e., /əˈtrækt.ɪŋ/ or /əˈtræk.tɪŋ/ depending on dialect).
In US English, stress is typically on the second syllable: /əˈtræktɪŋ/, with a rhotic 'r' following the schwa. UK English tends toward /əˈtræktɪŋ/ with a shorter, non-rhotic 'r' in many dialects and a crisp 't' release. Australian English also tends toward /əˈtræktɪŋ/ with a non-rhotic approximation and a slightly broader vowel in the first stressed syllable; the 'ɪ' is short and the 'ŋ' is velar nasal. Listen for vowel quality differences and the presence or absence of rhoticity.
The difficulty centers on the /tr/ cluster transitioning into /æ/ and the following /k/ versus /t/ boundary before /ɪŋ/. Some speakers reduce the middle boundary, making /træktɪŋ/ instead of /træk.tɪŋ/. Also, the unstressed schwa can be shortened or reduced in rapid speech, affecting the first syllable clarity. Practice by isolating /tr/ with the following vowel and ensuring a brief, clean break between /træk/ and /tɪŋ/.
A unique consideration is separating the final -ing from the preceding plosive: keep a light hold on the /t/ before the /ɪŋ/ so the /t/ is not swallowed in casual speech. In some fast speech, speakers may assimilate to /træktən/ or /trækən/. Aim for a clear /t/ release before the final /ɪŋ/. Practice with controlled pacing to maintain a crisp boundary.
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