rapt

Everyday

1. So interested in something that you notice nothing else, as in «rapt attention». tree →
2. Filled with deep joy or wonder, carried away by a feeling. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it tells the reader a character is spellbound: children listen with rapt attention to a story. In The Wind in the Willows, in «The Piper at the Gates of Dawn», the Rat stands rapt, listening to the far-off music of Pan's pipes, and Mole is rapt with awe. At school, teachers hope for rapt attention. Phrases: «rapt attention», «listen rapt», «rapt in thought».

Examples

• The children listened with rapt attention to the story. tree →
• The Rat stood rapt, hearing the music of the pipes. tree →
• She watched the fireworks with a rapt face. tree →
• He was rapt in thought and did not hear the bell. tree →
• The audience sat rapt as the magician worked. tree →
• Mole gazed in rapt wonder at the Friend on the island. tree →
• The baby was rapt, watching the fish in the tank. tree →

Note

Homophones: «wrapped» (covered in paper) and «rapped» (knocked, or did rap music) sound the same. Not «rapped attention». Related noun: rapture.