charm

charm — noun

1. a pleasant quality that makes people naturally like someone, find something appe

1.名詞B2
釋義

a pleasant quality that makes people naturally like someone, find something appealing, or feel drawn toward a person or place

例句

The old town's charm lies in its narrow streets and historic buildings.

Leila's gentle charm won over everyone she met at the conference.

collocation: gentle charm / natural charm / personal charm

同義詞
  • appeal

    broader — can refer to any attractive quality, not just personal warmth

  • allure

    more mysterious or glamorous, often deliberately created

  • charisma

    specifically a magnetic personal quality found in leaders and performers

反義詞
  • repulsiveness

    the quality of being extremely unpleasant or off-putting

用法筆記

Often modified by an adjective describing the type of appeal: 'natural charm', 'old-world charm', 'rustic charm'.

常見錯誤

❌She has a charm that attracts people.
✅She has a natural charm that attracts people.
💡Add a modifier when describing the specific kind of charm, or use the uncountable form without an article.

2. any item, spoken formula, or repeated act that people think holds supernatural p

2.名詞C2
釋義

any item, spoken formula, or repeated act that people think holds supernatural power — for instance, drawing good fortune or guarding against evil

例句

Noa carries a small rabbit's foot as a charm for good luck.

collocation: charm for good luck

The old woman recited a charm to protect the village from storms.

recited charm — spoken/literal charm

同義詞
  • amulet

    specifically a physical object worn for protection, often across cultures

  • talisman

    an object believed to bring good luck, often with specific symbolic markings

  • spell

    a spoken charm — words believed to have magical effect

用法筆記

Can refer to a physical object (amulet) or a verbal formula (incantation). When referring to a spoken charm, 'recite' or 'chant' are common verbs.

常見錯誤

❌She wears a charm on her bracelet for decoration.
✅She wears a charm on her bracelet as a lucky charm.
💡Use 'as a lucky charm' to emphasize the luck/protection meaning; otherwise readers may understand the jewellery sense (noun/3).

3. a small ornament that hangs from a bracelet, chain necklace, or key ring, often

3.名詞
釋義

a small ornament that hangs from a bracelet, chain necklace, or key ring, often crafted from a precious metal

例句

The bracelet has three tiny gold charms — a heart, a star, and a moon.

collocation: charm bracelet

Aiko added a new charm to her bracelet each time she visited a new country.

同義詞
  • pendant

    a piece of jewellery that hangs from a necklace, usually larger than a charm

  • trinket

    a small decorative item, not necessarily worn; often less valuable

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2 (LUCKY OBJECT): this sense is purely decorative and carries no implication of magic or luck. However, a charm sold as jewellery may also be worn for good luck — context determines which sense applies.

charm — verb

charm — idiom