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riveting
Riveting (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does riveting mean?
Exceptionally captivating, engrossing, or enthralling, capturing one's attention and interest to a remarkable degree.
"The book was a riveting account of a soldier's experiences in the war."
Detailed Meaning of Riveting
When we use the term "riveting," we emphasize the power of a story, performance, experience, or presentation to hold an audience spellbound, often leaving them completely absorbed and unable to look away. Riveting experiences are marked by their ability to generate intense fascination and emotional involvement. Whether it's a riveting movie, a riveting book, a riveting performance, or even a riveting conversation, this adjective underscores the compelling and immersive nature of the subject, leaving a lasting and powerful impression on those who encounter it.
Example Sentences for Riveting
1. The movie was so riveting that I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.
2. The speaker's delivery was so riveting that the audience was captivated.
3. The music was so riveting that it brought the crowd to their feet.
4. The art exhibit was a riveting display of creativity and talent.
5. The court case was so riveting that it made headlines for months.
6. The sports match was a riveting competition that went down to the wire.
Origin and Etymology of Riveting
The adjective 'riveting' has an etymology that relates to the world of metalwork and construction. It is derived from the word 'rivet,' which refers to a fastener used to join two or more pieces of metal together by passing a metal pin or bolt through holes in the pieces and then forming a head on the other side to secure them tightly. The term 'riveting' evolved metaphorically to describe something that is exceptionally captivating, engrossing, or enthralling, capturing one's attention and interest to a remarkable degree. When something is described as 'riveting,' it conveys the idea that it holds one's focus as firmly as if they were metaphorically 'fastened' or 'fixed' to it, just as pieces of metal are fastened together with rivets. Thus, the etymology of 'riveting' underscores its historical connection to the notion of being so captivating that it seems to hold one's attention firmly in place, much like a securely fastened rivet.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
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More Usage Examples of Riveting
1. The performance was so riveting that it received a standing ovation.
2. The mystery novel was a riveting tale of murder and deceit.
3. The speaker's testimony was so riveting that it moved the jury to tears.
4. The documentary was a riveting examination of the complex issue.
5. The talk show host's interviews are always riveting and insightful.
6. The movie's riveting plot kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
7. Her riveting storytelling had everyone hanging on her every word.
8. The novel's riveting mystery left readers eager to uncover the truth.
9. The documentary offered a riveting glimpse into a hidden world.
10. The lecture on space exploration was both informative and riveting.
11. His riveting performance on the piano left the audience spellbound.
12. The courtroom drama was filled with riveting twists and turns.
13. The art exhibition featured riveting works that stirred deep emotions.
14. The historical reenactment provided a riveting look into the past.
15. The journalist's riveting expose shed light on a long-hidden scandal.
16. The sports match was a riveting display of skill and determination.
17. Her riveting TED talk inspired many to pursue their passions.
18. The play's riveting dialogue delved into complex human relationships.
19. The wildlife documentary captured riveting footage of rare animals.
20. The concert was a riveting fusion of music and visual effects.
21. The novel's riveting characters were richly developed and relatable.
22. The investigative journalist's work was consistently riveting.
23. The escape room challenge provided a riveting test of teamwork.
24. The science fiction series offered a riveting exploration of the future.
25. The biography was a riveting account of a remarkable life.
Synonyms and Related Words for Riveting
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