charm1 nouncharm2 verb
charmcharm1 /tʃɑːm $ tʃɑːrm/ ●●○ noun 
WORD ORIGINcharm1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French charme, from Latin carmen ‘song’, from canere ‘to sing’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a necklace with an angel charm
- Beaufort has all the charm of the old South.
- She was a leader of great character and tremendous personal charm.
- The book captures Savannah's old Southern charm and its eccentric citizens perfectly.
- Vanessa has both charm and talent.
- With her charm and good looks, she's sure to be a success.
- Gould discovered in this hardy, middle-aged explorer, a man of great charm and great ornithological ability.
- He had the charm of all people who believe implicitly in themselves, that of integration.
- The fortieth floor had low ceilings, no windows, and the charm of an engine room.
- The players were an ideal fit for 8, 500-seat Golden Park, which has been renovated to maximum charm.
- These buildings were comfortable and spacious, and had great charm.
- They even succumb, in the end, to the charms of a girl, which Grahame would have winced at.
- This time, the setup worked like a charm.
- To McDonough, a stubby 280-pounder, the charm of elective office was not mucking about with papers and figures.
THESAURUS
noun [countable, uncountable] a feature or quality that makes people like, want, or feel interested in something: · The excitement is part of the attraction of the job.· For many mothers, the attraction of childcare in the workplace is the chance to be near their children.· The idea of living in another country does have a certain attraction.
noun [countable, uncountable] a quality that makes people like something or someone: · Much of Corfu’s appeal lies in its lively night life.· I don’t understand the appeal of this kind of music.
noun [singular] a very attractive quality that makes you want something very much – often used about something that has a bad effect or influence: · It’s hard to resist the lure of credit cards and easy money.· The lure of urban life is especially powerful for the young.
noun [countable, uncountable] a pleasant quality that someone or something has that makes people like them, feel attracted to them, or be influenced by them: · He was physically attractive and possessed considerable personal charm.· The book captures Savannah’s old Southern charm perfectly.
noun [uncountable] the attractive and exciting quality that is connected with wealth and success: · the glamour of Monte Carlo· Hollywood glamour· The world of modelling is famous for its glitz and glamour.
noun [singular] something that makes people want to do something or go somewhere: · The money is a big draw for many players.· The island’s main draw is its wonderful beaches.
Longman Language Activatorsomething that attracts people the quality that something has, which makes people like it, want it, or feel interested in it. Attraction is also used about places or things to do that people like, find interesting, or want to visit: · A lot of young people take drugs. Personally, I can't see the attraction.attraction of: · For many mothers, one of the attractions of childcare in the workplace is the chance to be near their children.a tourist attraction: · The Galapagos Islands are one of Ecuador's main tourist attractions.
a quality that someone or something has that makes people like it, want it, or feel interested in it: · Much of Corfu's appeal lies in its lively night life.· Fink writes with eloquence about the appeal of the Jewish faith for her. · The film is flawed, although it has a certain nostalgic appeal.have popular/universal/mass appeal (=be interesting to most people): · While animation has universal appeal, audiences have become increasingly insistent on high standards.
a strongly attractive quality that makes you want something very much, even though you know it may be bad for you: · It's hard to escape the lure of credit cards and the access they provide.· In public housing projects, the lure of gangs is strong for teenagers.· I tried hard to settle down, but the lure of travel and adventure was too much for me.
something that makes you want to do or have something, even though you know you should not: · Life in New York has so many temptations.temptation to do something: · When life was hard, the temptation to start drinking again was strong.resist (the) temptation (=not do something that you would really like to do): · She thought of taking a day off work, but resisted the temptation.give in to (the) temptation (=do something that you would really like to do): · I finally gave in to temptation and ate a huge piece of cheesecake.
a pleasant quality that someone has that makes people like them, feel attracted to them, or be easily persuaded by them. Charm is also used about the special qualities that a place or thing has that make people like it: · With her charm and good looks, she's sure to be a success.· She was a leader of great character and tremendous personal charm.· The book captures Savannah's old Southern charm and its eccentric citizens perfectly.
WORD SETSagate, nounamethyst, nounanklet, nounaquamarine, nounbangle, nounbauble, nounbead, nounbracelet, nounbrooch, nouncarat, nouncarbuncle, nouncharm, nounchoker, nouncoral, nouncoronet, nouncostume jewellery, nouncrown, nounct, cuff link, nouncultured pearl, noundiamanté, adjectivediamond, nounearring, nounemerald, nounfacet, nounfob watch, noungarnet, noungem, noungold-plated, adjectivegoldsmith, nounice, nounjade, nounjasper, nounjewel, nounjewelled, adjectivejeweller, nounkarat, nounlapidary, adjectivelapis lazuli, nounlocket, nounmedallion, nounmoonstone, nounmother-of-pearl, nounnecklace, nounonyx, nounopal, nounpaste, nounpearly, adjectivependant, nounpin, nounprecious stone, nounreset, verbrhinestone, nounring, nounruby, nounsapphire, nounseed pearl, nounsemi-precious, adjectivesetting, nounsignet ring, nounsolitaire, nounstickpin, nounstone, nounstud, nountiara, nountopaz, nountrinket, nounwatchband, nounwatchstrap, nounwedding ring, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs
The town has retained much of its old-world charm. Andrew laughed gently, oozing charm. The village had a certain rustic charm. She used all of her seductive charm to try and persuade him.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· Richard was clever and he had a lot of charm.
· She knew when to use her charm in order to get what she wanted.
(=use your charm to get something)· If you turn on the charm, I’m sure you’ll get the job.
(=have or show a lot of charm)· Every time she saw him, he oozed charm.
· A lot of new buildings lack charm.
· He was getting older, and travel was losing its charm.
(=allow yourself to be influenced by their charms)· Thomas seemed to be succumbing to Sylvie's charms.
(=not allow yourself to be influenced by someone’s charm)· People say that it was impossible to resist Burton’s charm.
· The house is a long way from anywhere and that is part of its charm.
adjectives· Women seem to love his boyish charm.
· He was a man of great charm.
(=relaxed charm)· Hudson was full of easy charm and smiles.
(=charm that is simple, old-fashioned and typical of the countryside)· The cottage had a certain rustic charm.
· She had a quiet natural charm that everyone liked.
· He was a man of great personal charm.
· Their music has considerable charm.
(=very great)· No one could resist his immense charm.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The town has retained much of its old-world charm. Andrew laughed gently, oozing charm. The village had a certain rustic charm. She used all of her seductive charm to try and persuade him.· It didn't compare to his effort, but it had a certain naïve charm.· Plus, a nickname implies jocularity, popularity, a certain friendliness and charm.· He looked at her and smiled slightly, the smile lending his face a certain boyish charm.· As Pinky, Patrick James Clarke is high-spirited, with a certain scruffy charm.· They also have a certain charm, when seen from the comfort and security of an armchair behind a glass barrier.
· Physically attractive and possessed of considerable personal charm, his demeanour was self-effacing, gracious and polite.· Isabel, an aspiring photographer, turns her considerable charm on the boyish Alex to let her go in ahead of him.· Faces of great dignity and considerable charm.· There is an intensity to Nancy, but considerable charm.· Stony Stratford was the town nearest to Wolverton, and by comparison it had considerable charm.· These are fantasies of considerable charm, carefully crafted examples of story-telling.· The music is not jazz, but has considerable charm.· She was having enough trouble fending off his considerable charms.
· The easy charm and smiles were gone, and with them went the boyishness.· Fair-haired with a luxuriant drooping moustache. Easy charm.
· The hotel is full of charm and character and Penny Rawson's beloved and rare plants.· A hospitable host, full of charm and not jumpy, in spite of the scare.· The décor is full of period charm and colour.· She met his eyes again and the full charm of his smile was turned upon her.· Mendip's many attractive villages are full of charm and character - most have quaint churches and other features of interest.
· These buildings were comfortable and spacious, and had great charm.· Fergus, beautiful and saintly as a baby, grows up to be a wild young man of great charm.· A man of great personal charm, he was yet stubborn and pugnacious towards those with whom he disagreed.· Gould discovered in this hardy, middle-aged explorer, a man of great charm and great ornithological ability.· She performed with great natural charm in a television interview and marvelled at all the stretch-limousines she rode in.· It was part of his great charm.· This is because, despite its great charm, it does look rather odd to most cat-lovers.· It was a smile of great charm, causing even the toughness of Mr Pigdon to crack.
· But, as Daouda Api explains, the lucky charm of literacy often fails to work its magic.
· She performed with great natural charm in a television interview and marvelled at all the stretch-limousines she rode in.· She had this wonderful natural and infectious charm.
· Physically attractive and possessed of considerable personal charm, his demeanour was self-effacing, gracious and polite.· The book also chronicles his personal charms, social clumsiness and confusion in his own sexuality.· A man of great personal charm, he was yet stubborn and pugnacious towards those with whom he disagreed.· However, he was also a man of exceptional personal warmth and charm.· In a town with a Conservative majority of just 2,661, the personal charm and persuasion of each candidate will be crucial.· He was a good-humoured, patient man of great personal charm, an energetic and skilled administrator and excellent public speaker.· She was a talented artist and had considerable personal charm.· Megan set about raising standards wherever they were needed, using her political skills and considerable personal charm.
· Rustic appeal Create your own oasis of rustic charm with an intimate and cosy garden like this.· Besides, two weeks is about as much rustic charm as most people can stand.· It had a rough, rustic charm, earthy colours.· Bedrooms are modern but full of rustic style and charm with their pine panelling and wonderful mountain views.
NOUN· The girl is a graduate from the Anne Robinson charm school.
VERB· Price from about £7,420 Above: Add value and charm to your home with this delightful conservatory from Amdega.· Fine old paintings, marble columns and period furnishings add charm.· Although traditional shopfronts add charm and individuality to high streets, unprecedented damage has been done over the last century.· My Hatchets have always been healthy and add charm to the upper layer of the water.· Today their lovely parklands and orange trees remain, a medieval quarter adds charm and the modern seafront surrounds the glimmering bay.
· For many of these, memories of the country are so haunting that the real world has lost is charm.· They have lost their charm, having long ago lost their innocence.· It has been completely restored and its former importance can be readily appreciated even if it has now lost its earlier charm.· The idea of being sent out again to the Middle East lost what little charm it had left.· Certainly Muswell Hill has lost some of its charms for us.
· It also shows that regardless of all her suffering she has retained some of her charm and kind personality.· But no matter how much geography changes in the sprawling Old Pueblo, the site still manages to retain its cottonwood-laced charm.· Hair by Scissors Boyish cuts retain their charm.· Some, like Pesaro and Senigallia, have grown up around medieval towns and still retain old-world charm.· Today, both villages retain their quiet charm and are well worth a visit.· There is a sixteenth-century town hall which has been modernized but still retains its charm.· The new owners of the seventeenth century hotel have pledged to retain its charm and character.· Built in 1884 the house has been modernised but still retains its original charm with a very pretty secluded south-facing garden.
· It was the worst day's work of my life when I succumbed to your charms.· Though he was fifteen years her senior, she easily succumbed to his well-honed charms.· Thomas seemed to be succumbing to Sylvie's charms as much as to her narrative.
· I suspect all doctors must learn how to turn charm on and off like a tap.· Isabel, an aspiring photographer, turns her considerable charm on the boyish Alex to let her go in ahead of him.
· The more blatantly they were prepared to use their charm, the smoother was the way of escape.· Twice already the Wicked Witch had used the charm of the Cap.· Many viewers thought she'd used the famous Lawley charm to make him relax and talk about his childhood and family.· Wave your arms, use your charm.
· A slap on the hand or the behind works like a charm for one parent-child combination.· However, the schmaltzy parts, near the end, work like a charm.· But let me first applaud the coupling: it works like a charm.· This time, the setup worked like a charm.· Saunders' goals are working like a Championship charm.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► pour on the charm► work like magic/work like a charm
1[countable, uncountable] a special quality someone or something has that makes people like them, feel attracted to them, or be easily influenced by them – used to show approval: - Our new accounting system works like a charm.
- A slap on the hand or the behind works like a charm for one parent-child combination.
- But let me first applaud the coupling: it works like a charm.
- However, the schmaltzy parts, near the end, work like a charm.
- This time, the setup worked like a charm.
- Among them was Christopher Hitchens, the Washington-based writer, a figure of magnetic charm and great volubility.
- But then Sunderland came up with a new offer and Liverpool launched a fresh diplomatic offensive.
- Wayne certainly knows how to turn on the charm when he wants something out of you.
Joe’s boyish charmcharm of the charm of this small Southern city She turned on the charm (=used her charm) to all the men. The room had no windows and all the charm of a prison cell (=used to say that something has no charm).2[countable] a very small object worn on a chain or bracelet: a charm bracelet a small gold horseshoe worn as a lucky charm3[countable] a phrase or action believed to have special magic powers SYN spell4 work like a charm to work exactly as you had hoped: The new sales program has worked like a charm.COLLOCATIONSverbshave charm· Richard was clever and he had a lot of charm.use your charm· She knew when to use her charm in order to get what she wanted.turn on the charm (=use your charm to get something)· If you turn on the charm, I’m sure you’ll get the job.ooze charm (=have or show a lot of charm)· Every time she saw him, he oozed charm.lack charm/be lacking in charm· A lot of new buildings lack charm.something loses its charm· He was getting older, and travel was losing its charm.succumb to somebody’s/something’s charms (=allow yourself to be influenced by their charms)· Thomas seemed to be succumbing to Sylvie's charms.resist somebody’s charm (=not allow yourself to be influenced by someone’s charm)· People say that it was impossible to resist Burton’s charm.be part of somebody's/something's charm· The house is a long way from anywhere and that is part of its charm.adjectivesboyish charm· Women seem to love his boyish charm.great charm· He was a man of great charm.easy charm (=relaxed charm)· Hudson was full of easy charm and smiles.rustic charm (=charm that is simple, old-fashioned and typical of the countryside)· The cottage had a certain rustic charm.natural charm· She had a quiet natural charm that everyone liked.personal charm· He was a man of great personal charm.considerable charm· Their music has considerable charm.immense charm (=very great)· No one could resist his immense charm.charm1 nouncharm2 verb
charmcharm2 ●○○ verb [transitive] VERB TABLE
charm
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | charm |
| he, she, it | charms | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | charmed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have charmed |
| he, she, it | has charmed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had charmed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will charm |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have charmed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am charming |
| he, she, it | is charming | |
| you, we, they | are charming | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was charming |
| you, we, they | were charming | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been charming |
| he, she, it | has been charming | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been charming |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be charming |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been charming |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Goldie Hawn's high-pitched laugh has charmed fans for years.
- It's a story that has charmed youngsters for generations.
- As we walked around this pretty little island we were charmed by the friendliness of the local people.
- He could even charm himself, I reckoned.
- Marcovicci charmed her listeners, all of them old friends, it seemed.
- She charmed, then married Baron Phillipe de Rothschild in 1954 and her style became the toast of two continents.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The town has retained much of its old-world charm. Andrew laughed gently, oozing charm. The village had a certain rustic charm. She used all of her seductive charm to try and persuade him.
The town has retained much of its old-world charm. Andrew laughed gently, oozing charm. The village had a certain rustic charm. She used all of her seductive charm to try and persuade him.PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► pour on the charm► work like magic/work like a charm
1to attract someone and make them like you, sometimes in order to make them do something for you: - Among them was Christopher Hitchens, the Washington-based writer, a figure of magnetic charm and great volubility.
- But then Sunderland came up with a new offer and Liverpool launched a fresh diplomatic offensive.
- Wayne certainly knows how to turn on the charm when he wants something out of you.
We were charmed by the friendliness of the local people.2to please and interest someone: a story that has charmed generations of children3to gain power over someone or something by using magic