Langimage
English

charms

|charm|

B2

🇺🇸

/tʃɑrm/

🇬🇧

/tʃɑːm/

(charm)

attractive personality

Base FormPluralPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounAdjectiveAdverb
charmcharmerscharmscharmscharmedcharmedcharmingmore charmingmost charmingcharmscharmingcharmingly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'charm' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'charme', which in turn came from Latin 'carmen' meaning 'song, spell, verse'.

Historical Evolution

'charm' changed from Middle English/Old French 'charme' (meaning 'song, enchantment' or 'spell') and eventually became the modern English word 'charm' with senses of both 'spell' and 'attractive quality'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'song' or 'incantation' (a verse with power); over time it broadened to mean 'magical spell' and then extended metaphorically to 'personal attractiveness' or 'that which attracts'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

small object or trinket believed to have magical powers or to protect the wearer (amulet); often worn or carried.

She keeps several charms on her bracelet for good luck.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a magic spell or incantation.

The old book contained charms to protect a house from evil.

Synonyms

Noun 3

personal attractiveness or pleasing quality that wins favor or affection; charisma.

Despite his flaws, his charms made him popular with colleagues.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

third person singular present of 'charm': to delight or please greatly; to attract.

He charms audiences with his easy humor and warmth.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

third person singular present of 'charm': to influence or control by magic or as if by magic; to bewitch.

She charms the guards and walks right past them.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/08/18 15:44