Riveting
/ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Riveting describes something that is so interesting or exciting that you cannot stop paying attention to it. It is often used for stories, movies, speeches, or events that capture your focus completely.
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See It in Action
Very interesting and holding attention strongly
- •The movie was riveting from start to finish.
- •She gave a riveting speech that moved the whole audience.
- •The novel's plot is so riveting that I read it in one day.
(Less common) Physically holding things tightly together with rivets (metal pins)
- •The bridge’s structure is held together by rivets.
- •The old airplane’s body was riveting with metal pins.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "riveting" like "interesting" (A1 word), but much stronger—like it pulls your eyes and mind and does not let go
- ✓Picture a strong metal rivet holding two pieces of metal tightly together—this word means your attention is held just as tightly
- ✓It's the feeling when you watch a movie and cannot look away because the story is so exciting
- ✓Sounds like "RIV-it-ing" → imagine a rivet (a small metal pin) fastening your eyes to the screen so you can’t look away
- ✓Remember a thrilling book or game that keeps you glued to it for hours
- ✓NOT like "boring" (makes you want to leave), "riveting" makes you want to stay and watch or listen
- ✓NOT like "nice" (mild positive feeling), "riveting" is a very strong positive feeling that grabs you fully
Try Other Words
- •Captivating: very attractive and holding attention (Use when you want to emphasize beauty or charm)
- •Engaging: keeping your attention by being pleasant or interesting (Use in friendly or social contexts)
- •Fascinating: extremely interesting and exciting (Use when you want to show strong curiosity or amazement)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "rivet" (a metal pin used to hold things together) + "-ing" (adjective form showing action or quality)
- •Etymology: From "rivet," a metal fastener, used metaphorically to mean holding attention tightly
- •Historical development: Originally about metalwork, later used figuratively in the 20th century to describe strong attention-holding qualities
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe stories, movies, speeches, or anything that strongly holds attention
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of stories or experiences do you find riveting, and why do they hold your attention?
•Can something be too riveting, making it hard to stop paying attention even when you want to? How do you manage that?
Fill in the blanks
1.The movie was so riveting that I ___ forget to eat dinner.
2.A riveting story usually ___ your full attention without any distractions.
3.Unlike a boring lecture, a riveting speech ___ the audience to listen carefully.
4.When a book is riveting, readers often say they are ___ to finish it quickly.
5.The word "riveting" comes from a metal tool that ___ things tightly together.
6.She spoke so ___ that everyone in the room was completely focused on her words.
7.A riveting event often makes people feel excited or ___ about what will happen next.