Ravishing
/ˈrævɪʃɪŋ/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Ravishing describes someone or something that looks very beautiful or charming. It is often used to talk about a person’s appearance, especially when they look so good that others feel amazed or impressed. This word shows a strong positive feeling about beauty.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Extremely beautiful or attractive (usually about people or things)
- •She wore a ravishing red dress to the party.
- •The sunset over the ocean was absolutely ravishing.
- •Everyone said the bride looked ravishing on her wedding day.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'ravishing' like the word 'beautiful' (A1), but much stronger and more exciting—like beauty that takes your breath away
- ✓Picture a bright, colorful flower in full bloom that makes you stop and stare because it is so lovely
- ✓It’s the feeling you get when you see someone dressed very nicely for a special event and you feel impressed or happy
- ✓Sounds like 'RAV-ish-ing' → imagine a wave ('rav') of beauty that sweeps you away like a strong wind
- ✓Think of a famous movie star on the red carpet looking amazing and everyone watching closely
- ✓NOT like 'pretty' (gentle, simple beauty), 'ravishing' is more powerful and striking
- ✓NOT like 'plain' (simple or ordinary), 'ravishing' is very eye-catching and special
Try Other Words
- •Stunning: extremely attractive or impressive (Use when you want to emphasize surprise or shock from beauty)
- •Gorgeous: very beautiful or colorful (Use when describing rich, bright, or elegant beauty)
- •Lovely: pleasant and attractive (Use for softer, gentle beauty)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root 'ravish' + suffix '-ing' (shows quality or state)
- •Etymology: From Old French 'ravir' meaning 'to seize or carry away,' originally meaning to overwhelm with emotion
- •Historical development: Started meaning to fill with strong emotion or delight, later focused on beauty that overwhelms the senses
- •Modern usage: Used mostly to describe people or things that are very beautiful and cause strong admiration or delight
Reflect & Connect
•How can you use the word 'ravishing' to describe things other than people, like nature or art?
•Why do you think some words for beauty feel stronger or more emotional than others?
Fill in the blanks
1.She looked ___ in her new dress, making everyone at the party stop and stare ___ admiration.
2.The garden was ___ with flowers blooming so brightly that it felt like a ___ painting.
3.Unlike simple "pretty," the word "ravishing" shows a ___ level of beauty that ___ attention immediately.
4.When someone is described as ravishing, it means they are ___ attractive in a way that ___ strong feelings.
5.You might say a sunset is ravishing when its colors are so ___ that you feel ___.
6.The actress was ___ dressed, and her appearance ___ the whole audience.
7.People often use "ravishing" to describe someone who looks ___ for a very special ___ or moment.