charming

comparative more charming · comparative nonstandard charminger · superlative most charming · nonstandard superlative charmingest · nonstandard superlative charmest

1. Pleasant, charismatic.

   "What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society."

   1813, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 6

   1 more example

   In the abstract, Stuhlbarg’s twinkly-eyed sidekick suggests Joe Pesci in Lethal Weapon 2 by way of late-period Robin Williams with an alien twist, but Stuhlbarg makes a character that easily could have come across as precious into a surprisingly palatable, even charming man.

   2012 May 24, Nathan Rabin, “Film: Reviews: Men In Black 3”, in The Onion AV Club

   Synonyms: charismatic, smart, witty, taking, fetching, captivating · Antonyms: dull, charmless

2. Delightful in a playful way which avoids responsibility or seriousness, as if attracting through a magical charm.

   Antonyms: silly, charmless

1. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of charm

plural charmings

1. The casting of a magical charm.

   They denied me often flour, barm and milk, / Goose-grease and tar, when I ne'er hurt their charmings, / Their brewlocks, nor their batches, nor forespoke / Any of their breedings.

   1616, Thomas Middleton, The Witch

1. BritishironicUsed in response to behaviour or language considered offensive or uncouth.

   The other murderer is sadistically hacked to pieces, while the proceedings are being videoed – and the DVD is sent to Nick's home so that his daughter can see it. Oh, charming.

   2009 November 26, Peter Bradshaw, “Review: Law Abiding Citizen”, in The Guardian