French word

charmer

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃaʁme/

Meaning

  • verbcharm

Example

Il charme tout le monde avec son sourire.

He charms everyone with his smile.

Illustration for charmer (charm)

More examples

Cette ville a su charmer les visiteurs.

This town managed to charm the visitors.

Core concept

A social presence that turns another person's attention into admiration or fondness.

Common phrases

  • charmer quelqu'un

    charm someone

  • charmer par son sourire

    charm ___ with one's smile

Similar words

plaire: Please someone and leave them feeling satisfied or favorably disposed.
séduire: Captivate someone deeply through personal charm or compelling behavior.

Definition in French

Provoquer l'admiration ou l'affection chez quelqu'un par son comportement, son sourire ou ses paroles.

Word origin

The verb charmer developed from Old French and traces back to Latin carmen, meaning a song or magical formula, before gaining its current interpersonal sense.

Usage tips

  • In je suis charmé(e), charmé(e) usually means pleased or delighted rather than someone who charms others.

Other meanings

  • attractverb
  • enchantverb
  • captivateverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word