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magnétisme

magnetism

noun man-yeh-TEEZ-muh Rare

Origin: From Greek 'Magnesia', a region of Thessaly known for lodestone.

Also means

personal charisma

Usage Note

Magnétisme covers both the physical phenomenon (attraction between magnetic poles) and the figurative sense of a compelling personal presence. Magnétisme animal was the term used by Franz Mesmer for what we now call mesmerism or hypnosis — an important moment in French cultural history. The adjective is magnétique.

Examples

"Son magnétisme naturel attire tout le monde."

Natural Translation

His natural magnetism attracts everyone.

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