riveting
What does "riveting" mean?
To be "riveting" means to be so completely engrossing or fascinating that it holds your attention firmly, as if you were physically bolted to your seat. Imagine watching a mystery movie where you are so caught up in the suspense that you forget to blink or check your phone; that feeling of being locked into the experience is exactly what the word describes. This word is typically used to describe stories, performances, or presentations that have a high level of engagement. While it is a positive word, it is quite strong, so it is best reserved for things that are truly captivating rather than just mildly interesting. It often pairs well with nouns like "story," "performance," "speech," or "read."
"riveting" in conversation
Discussing a book
I stayed up until 3 a.m. finishing that new thriller.
I stayed up until 3 a.m. finishing that new thriller.
Was it that good?
Was it that good?
It was absolutely riveting, I couldn't put it down!
It was absolutely riveting, I couldn't put it down!
Used here to emphasize the inability to stop doing an activity.
After a lecture
What did you think of the guest speaker's presentation?
What did you think of the guest speaker's presentation?
It was a riveting account of his time in space.
It was a riveting account of his time in space.
Used to describe a narrative that successfully held the audience's focus.
"riveting" in a sentence
The movie was riveting.
The movie was riveting.
She gave a riveting speech that captivated everyone in the room.
She gave a riveting speech that captivated everyone in the room.
The detective novel offered a riveting plot full of unexpected twists and turns.
The detective novel offered a riveting plot full of unexpected twists and turns.
