Intrigue
/ɪnˈtriːɡ/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo arouse the curiosity or interest of; fascinate.
/ɪnˈtriːɡ/
To arouse curiosity or interest; fascinate.
The detective's unconventional methods intrigued the suspect.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're reading a really good book, and every page makes you want to know what happens next. That feeling of being 'hooked' is what 'intrigue' is all about. It's when something grabs your attention and makes you really curious!
👶 For kids: When something is so interesting that you want to know more!
More Examples
The old photograph intrigued her, leading her to research her family history.
The strange behavior of the birds at dusk intrigued the ornithologist.
How It's Used
"The mystery novel intrigued me from the first chapter."
"His stories were designed to intrigue the reader with their unexpected twists."
To make secret plans or schemes; conspire.
/ɪnˈtriːɡ/
To make secret plans; conspire.
The spies were intriguing to uncover the enemy's secrets.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a game where people are making secret plans to outsmart each other. 'Intrigue' is about that secret plotting and scheming – trying to get an advantage over someone else in a sneaky way!
👶 For kids: When people are making secret plans that might not be very nice.
More Examples
He spent the evening intriguing with his colleagues to secure the deal.
The members of the royal court were forever intriguing for the king's attention.
How It's Used
"The political rivals were intriguing against each other to gain power."
"Court officials often intrigued to gain favor with the king."
Secret planning of something illicit or harmful; a secret plot or scheme.
/ˈɪntriːɡ/
The secret planning of something illicit or harmful; a secret plot.
The political intrigue surrounding the election was intense.
💡 Simply: Imagine a mysterious story with lots of hidden secrets and sneaky plans. 'Intrigue' is the secret plot or the complex set of hidden events that unfold, usually involving some kind of deception!
👶 For kids: Secret plans that are usually a little bit sneaky or bad.
More Examples
The play was full of romantic intrigues and betrayals.
The complex intrigues within the company led to his downfall.
How It's Used
"The rise and fall of empires often involved complex intrigues."
"The novel was filled with political intrigues that kept the reader guessing."
The quality of arousing curiosity or interest; fascination.
/ˈɪntriːɡ/
The quality of arousing curiosity or interest.
The antique shop had a certain intrigue that drew people inside.
💡 Simply: It's the feeling you get when something is mysterious and makes you really curious. Like when you see a hidden door and you just *have* to know what's behind it. It's that special pull that makes you want to know more!
👶 For kids: When something is really interesting and makes you want to find out more!
More Examples
The mystery surrounding the disappearance added to the book's intrigue.
The detective found the case to be full of intrigue.
How It's Used
"The painting held an undeniable air of intrigue."
"The artist's work possessed a certain artistic intrigue, captivating viewers."
Synonyms
Engage
Interest
Cabal
Conspiracy
Appeal
Charm
Curiosity
Fascination
Antonyms
Bore
Cooperate
Disclose
Expose
Honesty
Apathy
Boredom
Ennui
Indifference
Idioms & expressions
to pique someone's interest/intrigue
To arouse someone's curiosity or interest.
"The trailer for the new movie piqued my interest, so I went to see it."
cloak-and-dagger
Involving or suggesting espionage, intrigue, or secrecy.
"The spy movie had a cloak-and-dagger plot filled with double agents and hidden secrets."
From French intriguer (“to plot, scheme”), from Italian intrigare (“to entangle, perplex”), from intrigo (“a complication, intrigue”), from Latin intricare (“to entangle”).
The word 'intrigue' gained prominence in English during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, reflecting the political machinations of the time.
Memory tip
Think of a secret plan that catches your attention.