Charming Meaning
/ˈtʃɑː(ɹ).mɪŋ/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjPleasant, charismatic.
adjDelightful in a playful way which avoids responsibility or seriousness, as if attracting through a magical charm.
Sentence Examples
You look very charming today.
Paul is by far the most charming boy in our school.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The old village, with its cobblestone streets and flower-filled windows, was absolutely ____ to visitors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The small village we visited had many ____ shops and cute cafes.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English charmynge; equivalent to charm + -ing.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
""What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society.""
— 1813, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 6:
"In the abstract, Stuhlbarg’s twinkly-eyed sidekick suggests Joe Pesci in Lethal Weapon 2 by way of late-period Robin Williams with an alien twist, but Stuhlbarg makes a character that easily could have come across as precious into a surprisingly palatable, even charming man."
— 2012 May 24, Nathan Rabin, “Film: Reviews: Men In Black 3”, in The Onion AV Club:
"They denied me often flour, barm and milk, / Goose-grease and tar, when I ne'er hurt their charmings, / Their brewlocks, nor their batches, nor forespoke / Any of their breedings."
— 1616, Thomas Middleton, The Witch:
"The other murderer is sadistically hacked to pieces, while the proceedings are being videoed – and the DVD is sent to Nick's home so that his daughter can see it. Oh, charming."
— 2009 November 26, Peter Bradshaw, “Review: Law Abiding Citizen”, in The Guardian:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The old village, with its cobblestone streets and flower-filled windows, was absolutely ____ to visitors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The small village we visited had many ____ shops and cute cafes.