intriguing - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
intriguing Word Meanings
- to arouse curiosity or interest
- to plot or scheme
- a secret plan or scheme
intriguing Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
intriguing Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈtriːg/
US
/ɪnˈtriɡ/
intriguing Word Etymology
From 'in-' meaning 'inside' + 'trigue' from the Latin 'intricare' meaning 'to entangle'. Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a detective getting tangled in a web of mysterious clues—that’s intriguing!
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Intrigue is a versatile word that can describe both a clean sense of curiosity and a darker sense of plotting and secrecy. As a verb it means to arouse interest or wonder, often by presenting mysteries, twists, or unexpected details. It can also carry a conspiratorial edge when describing schemes or plots that pull people into a web of deception. As a noun, intrigue refers to a secret plan, a clever, sometimes underhanded maneuver, or a sense of fascination that invites closer attention. In everyday use, you might say a documentary intrigues viewers, or a political intrigue surrounds a covert agreement. The etymology hints at internal entanglement, which fits both senses of the word.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Intrigue can be a transitive verb (intrigue someone) or intransitive (intrigues)
- 2) Distinguish noun vs verb: intrigue (n) vs intrigue (v)
- 3) Pair with adjectives: intriguing (interesting) vs intrigued (curious)
- 4) Watch for collocations: intrigue someone, natural curiosity, political intrigue
- 5) Avoid confusion with intrusive or intriguing (note the spelling and meaning differences)
Common Misconceptions
- Intrigue always means a plot; it can also mean simply arousing curiosity.
- It is only used for negative plots or conspiracies.
- Intrigue is the same as interest; they carry different nuance.
- The noun and verb forms are unrelated; they are the same word with different roles.
- Confusing intrigued with intriguing: one describes a feeling, the other describes something that causes the feeling.
Thinking Differences
English often treats intrigue as both curiosity and a plotting nuance; learners must track noun vs verb and the positive vs negative implications.
Learning Tips
- Practice both noun and verb forms in sentences.
- Pair with synonyms like arouse curiosity and fascinate.
- Learn common collocations: intrigue someone, political intrigue.
- Study the adjective forms intriguing and intrigued.
- Create short dialogues using intrigue in different registers.
- Review etymology to remember the idea of entanglement.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'intriguing' mean?
A.Interesting
B.Funny
C.Boring
D.Sad
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'intriguing' used correctly?
A.The intriguing cat loved to chase its tail.
B.The boring book was very intriguing to read.
C.He laughed at the intriguing joke at the funeral.
D.She found the movie intriguing, so she fell asleep.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'intriguing'?
A.Dull
B.Normal
C.Plain
D.Fascinating
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an opposite of 'intriguing'?
A.Exciting
B.Tedious
C.Thrilling
D.Captivating
Step 5: Mastery
How would you describe an 'intriguing' mystery in a real-life context?
A.A mystery that makes someone bored
B.A mystery that is confusing and uninteresting
C.A mystery that is easily solved
D.A mystery that raises curiosity and interest
Related Listening
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