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gripping

B1 adjective #35 가장 일반적인 13분 분량

gripping

상위 35

At the A1 level, 'gripping' might be a bit difficult. Think of it as a way to say 'very, very interesting' or 'exciting.' Imagine you are reading a book and you don't want to stop. You want to see the next page. That feeling is 'gripping.' For example, if you see a movie with a lot of action and you are watching it very closely, you can say, 'The movie is gripping.' It is a special word for things that make you stay very quiet and look with big eyes. You can use it for stories, games, or movies. It is much stronger than 'good' or 'nice.' When something is gripping, you forget about other things around you. You only think about the story. It is like the story is holding your hand and you have to follow it. Even if you are just starting to learn English, you can use this word to show you really liked a story. It is a great word for your favorite books or films.

For A2 learners, 'gripping' is a useful word to describe books and movies that are very exciting. It comes from the word 'grip,' which means to hold something tightly. So, a 'gripping' story is one that holds your attention tightly. You cannot stop reading it or watching it because you want to know what happens next. It is often used for thrillers, mysteries, or action movies. If you are watching a football game and it is 2-2 in the last minute, that game is gripping. You are nervous and excited. You are 'gripped' by the game. In your writing, you can use 'gripping' instead of 'very interesting' to make your sentences better. For example: 'I read a gripping book last week.' This tells the reader that the book was so good you couldn't put it down. It's a more advanced way to express your feelings about entertainment.

At the B1 level, you should start using 'gripping' to describe narratives that have a strong emotional or suspenseful pull. It is an adjective that describes something—usually a story, film, or event—that is so compelling that it holds your attention completely. Unlike 'interesting,' which is a general term, 'gripping' specifically suggests a sense of tension or excitement. It is a common word in reviews. For instance, a critic might write, 'The play was a gripping drama about a family secret.' This means the audience was completely absorbed in the story. You can also use it for real-life situations, like a 'gripping news report.' It is important to remember the grammar: the story is 'gripping,' and you are 'gripped' by the story. Using this word shows that you understand more nuanced ways to describe your experiences and can evaluate the quality of media more effectively.

At the B2 level, 'gripping' is an essential part of your descriptive vocabulary, especially for essays, reviews, and discussions about media. It conveys a high degree of engagement and suggests that the subject matter has a magnetic quality. A gripping narrative is one where the pacing, character development, and plot twists work together to keep the audience invested. You might use it to describe a 'gripping climax' or a 'gripping performance.' It is often paired with intensifiers like 'absolutely' or 'utterly.' For example, 'The documentary provided an utterly gripping look at the consequences of climate change.' At this level, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'riveting' or 'compelling' and understand when 'gripping' is the most appropriate choice—usually when there is an element of suspense or high stakes involved. It's a word that adds professional polish to your evaluations.

For C1 learners, 'gripping' is a nuanced tool for sophisticated analysis. It describes a state of total immersion where the narrative's tension is palpable. When you use 'gripping,' you are commenting on the effectiveness of the storytelling craft. It implies that the creator has successfully manipulated the audience's attention through suspense, emotional resonance, or intellectual provocation. You might analyze a 'gripping psychological thriller' by discussing how the director uses sound and light to maintain that grip. It can also be used metaphorically in more abstract contexts, such as a 'gripping fear' that pervades a community or a 'gripping legal battle' that has constitutional implications. At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'gripping' from its synonyms based on the specific type of engagement it describes—specifically, one that is intense, often suspenseful, and difficult to break away from.

At the C2 level, 'gripping' is used with precision to describe the visceral impact of a narrative or event. It suggests a mastery of form where the subject matter exerts a near-physical hold on the observer. You might use it in literary criticism to describe the 'gripping prose' of a novelist who uses rhythmic syntax to build tension. Or, in a socio-political analysis, you could refer to a 'gripping national crisis' that has paralyzed public discourse. The word implies a level of intensity that is almost overwhelming. You should also be comfortable using it in various grammatical structures, such as 'The sheer gripping power of the narrative,' or using it to contrast with other forms of engagement, like 'While the intellectual themes were profound, it was the gripping emotional core that truly resonated.' At this level, 'gripping' is not just a synonym for 'exciting'; it is a specific descriptor for a profound and inescapable focus.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

gripping 30초 만에

Gripping means holding your attention completely, especially because something is exciting or suspenseful.
It is commonly used to describe books, movies, and intense real-life events like sports or trials.
The word comes from the physical act of 'gripping' or holding something tightly with your hand.
Synonyms include riveting, enthralling, and compelling, but 'gripping' often implies more tension.

The word gripping is a powerful adjective used to describe something that captures and holds your attention so completely that you find it nearly impossible to look away or stop paying attention. It originates from the physical act of 'gripping'—holding something tightly with your hand. Metaphorically, a gripping story 'grabs' your mind and doesn't let go. This term is most frequently applied to narrative experiences such as novels, films, television series, and theatrical performances. However, it can also describe real-life events, such as a tense sports match, a high-stakes legal trial, or a deeply moving personal account. When we call something gripping, we are implying a level of intensity that transcends mere interest; it suggests a visceral, emotional, or intellectual entrapment that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The Psychological Grip: Psychologically, a gripping experience often triggers a 'flow state' or intense immersion. This happens when the challenge of following a complex plot or the emotional weight of a character's journey perfectly matches the viewer's focus. It often involves high stakes, where the outcome is uncertain and the consequences are significant.
Narrative Tension: In literature and film, 'gripping' is the ultimate compliment for a thriller or mystery. It suggests that the pacing is perfect, the suspense is building correctly, and the revelations are timed to maximize impact. A gripping book is often called a 'page-turner' because the reader feels a physical compulsion to see what happens next.

"The documentary offered a gripping account of the rescue mission, detailing every heartbeat of the operation."

Example of usage in a media review context.

Beyond entertainment, the word is used in journalism to describe events that have the public's undivided attention. A 'gripping drama' might unfold in a courtroom during a high-profile case, or a 'gripping struggle' might describe a political battle. The essence of the word remains the same: the subject matter is so compelling that it commands total focus. It is distinct from 'interesting' (which is passive) or 'fun' (which is lighthearted). 'Gripping' implies a certain gravity or tension that demands emotional investment. It is the difference between watching a casual game of cards and watching a final round of a world championship where everything is on the line.

"The final ten minutes of the match were absolutely gripping, as both teams fought for the winning goal."

Emotional Resonance: While often associated with thrillers, a slow-burn drama can also be gripping if the emotional stakes are high enough. It describes the intensity of the connection between the audience and the material, regardless of the speed of the action.

"Her gripping performance as the lead actress earned her a standing ovation and several award nominations."

"The witness gave a gripping testimony that changed the entire course of the trial."

In summary, 'gripping' is a versatile and evocative adjective. It captures the essence of being totally absorbed by something. Whether you are talking about a horror movie that made you hide behind a pillow, a biography that kept you up until 3 AM, or a news report about a daring rescue, 'gripping' is the word that describes that magnetic pull of a truly great story. It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical sensation of holding on and the mental sensation of being held.

Using gripping effectively requires understanding its role as an adjective that modifies nouns related to experiences, stories, or performances. It is most commonly placed before the noun it describes (attributive use) or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem' (predicative use). Because 'gripping' is an inherently strong word, it is often used with intensifiers like 'absolutely,' 'truly,' or 'utterly' to emphasize just how much the subject captured the speaker's attention. However, it is rarely used with 'very' because the word itself already implies a high degree of intensity.

Common Noun Pairings: The word frequently pairs with nouns like: tale, story, narrative, account, drama, thriller, performance, climax, and testimony. These are all things that can be experienced over a period of time.

"The novel is a gripping tale of survival in the Arctic wilderness."

When using 'gripping' in a sentence, consider the source of the 'grip.' Is it the suspense? The emotional depth? The high stakes? You can expand your sentence to explain why something is gripping. For example, instead of just saying 'The movie was gripping,' you could say, 'The movie was gripping because of its unpredictable plot twists and intense acting.' This provides more context and makes your writing more descriptive. It is also important to note that 'gripping' is almost always positive in a critical sense, even if the subject matter is dark or tragic. A 'gripping tragedy' is a well-told tragedy.

"The audience found the speaker's personal history to be gripping from start to finish."

Placement in Sentences: You can use it to open a sentence for dramatic effect: 'Gripping and intense, the new series has become a global phenomenon.' Or, use it to conclude a thought: 'The tension in the room was absolutely gripping.'

"Few things are as gripping as a well-paced detective novel on a rainy night."

In professional writing, such as journalism or academic film studies, 'gripping' serves as a concise way to evaluate the engagement level of a piece. It suggests that the technical elements of the work (editing, writing, acting) have successfully achieved their goal of captivating the audience. When writing a review, 'gripping' is a 'power word' that conveys a strong recommendation. It tells the reader that their time will be well-spent and their attention will be rewarded.

"The director uses a gripping combination of sound design and cinematography to build dread."

"It was a gripping moment in history that changed the world forever."

Finally, remember that 'gripping' can also describe non-fictional situations. A 'gripping fear' or a 'gripping silence' uses the word to describe an intense, overwhelming sensation. In these cases, it functions more as a descriptor of an internal state or an atmosphere rather than a narrative quality. Regardless of the context, 'gripping' always points toward an experience that is impossible to ignore.

You will encounter the word gripping in a variety of real-world contexts, primarily where stories are being evaluated or events are being reported. It is a favorite of professional critics, marketers, and storytellers. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the nuances of the word and use it more naturally in your own conversations and writing.

Film and Book Reviews: This is the most common home for 'gripping.' Reviewers in newspapers, on YouTube, or on blogs use it to signal that a movie or book is highly engaging. You'll see it in headlines like 'A Gripping New Thriller from the Master of Suspense' or in blurbs on the back of novels.

"Critics are calling the new courtroom drama a gripping masterpiece of the decade."

In marketing and advertising, 'gripping' is used to sell experiences. Movie trailers often feature a deep-voiced narrator describing the film as 'the most gripping cinematic event of the year.' Streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime might use the word in their descriptions to entice viewers to click on a particular show. It acts as a promise of excitement and emotional payoff. If a trailer is successful, it should feel gripping even in its two-minute duration.

"The trailer promised a gripping journey into the heart of the jungle."

Sports Commentary: When a game is incredibly close and the outcome is decided in the final seconds, commentators will often describe the action as 'gripping.' It captures the physical and emotional tension felt by the fans in the stadium and the viewers at home.

"It was a gripping contest that kept the fans on their feet until the final whistle."

In news reporting and journalism, 'gripping' is used to describe human-interest stories or significant historical events. A journalist might write a 'gripping account' of a natural disaster or a 'gripping profile' of a person who overcame immense odds. Here, the word lends a sense of importance and urgency to the reporting, suggesting that the story is not just information, but a narrative that demands the reader's empathy and attention.

"The newspaper published a gripping series of articles on the hidden lives of urban explorers."

Finally, you will hear 'gripping' in everyday conversation among friends and colleagues when discussing their latest interests. 'I just finished this gripping podcast about unsolved mysteries,' or 'That play we saw last night was so gripping, I forgot to check my watch.' In these informal settings, it serves as a high-energy recommendation, signaling that the subject matter is worth the other person's time. It is a word that conveys enthusiasm and a shared experience of being captivated.

While gripping is a relatively straightforward adjective, there are several common pitfalls that learners and even native speakers can fall into. Understanding these mistakes will help you use the word with greater precision and avoid awkward phrasing.

Confusing 'Gripping' with 'Gripped': This is the most frequent error. 'Gripping' describes the thing that causes the interest (the book, the movie), while 'gripped' describes the person who feels the interest. You would say 'The book was gripping,' but 'I was gripped by the book.' Saying 'I was gripping by the book' is grammatically incorrect.

"Incorrect: The audience was gripping by the performance. Correct: The audience was gripped by the performance."

Another common mistake is overusing the word for things that are merely 'interesting' or 'good.' 'Gripping' implies a very high level of intensity and suspense. If you describe a lighthearted romantic comedy as 'gripping,' it might sound strange to a native speaker unless that comedy is unusually tense. Reserve 'gripping' for things that truly demand your full attention and keep you in a state of anticipation. Using it for mundane or low-energy activities dilutes the power of the word.

"Overuse: I had a gripping sandwich for lunch. (This sounds very odd!)"

Misapplying to Static Objects: 'Gripping' usually describes something that unfolds over time—a narrative, a process, or an event. It is rarely used to describe a static object like a painting or a building, unless you are talking about the experience of looking at it. For a painting, words like 'striking' or 'captivating' are often better choices.

"Better choice: The portrait was captivating, but the story behind it was truly gripping."

Furthermore, be careful with the intensifier 'very.' While not strictly 'wrong,' 'very gripping' is considered a bit weak by many writers. Because 'gripping' is already an extreme adjective, it pairs better with 'absolutely,' 'utterly,' or 'completely.' These words match the intensity of 'gripping' much more effectively than 'very' does. Think of it like saying 'very unique'—it's redundant because the word already implies a maximum state.

"The documentary provided an absolutely gripping look at the life of the reclusive artist."

Lastly, ensure that the context supports the 'grip.' If a story is 'gripping,' there should be some element of tension or emotional pull. Describing a simple instruction manual as 'gripping' would be seen as sarcastic or humorous, as manuals are designed for clarity, not for holding one's attention through suspense. Always match the adjective to the emotional profile of the subject you are describing.

While gripping is a fantastic word, having a variety of synonyms at your disposal will make your descriptions more precise and your writing more engaging. Depending on the specific 'flavor' of the attention-holding experience, you might choose a different word. Here are some of the most common alternatives and how they differ from 'gripping.'

Riveting: 'Riveting' is perhaps the closest synonym. It comes from the word 'rivet' (a metal bolt used to fasten things together). If something is riveting, it's as if you are bolted to your seat. It often implies a visual or sensory intensity—something you can't stop looking at.
Enthralling: 'Enthralling' suggests a sense of wonder or magic. It comes from the old word 'thrall' (meaning slave). To be enthralled is to be 'enslaved' by the beauty or fascination of something. It's often used for fantasy, music, or beautiful performances.
Compelling: 'Compelling' means that something 'compels' or forces you to pay attention. It is often used for arguments, reasons, or characters. A compelling character is one you want to know more about, even if the story isn't necessarily suspenseful.

"While the plot was gripping, the lead character's motivations were truly compelling."

Other words include 'captivating' (which implies a charming or attractive quality), 'engrossing' (which suggests being completely absorbed in a task or book), and 'spellbinding' (which implies a magical, trance-like state of attention). When choosing between these, think about the *source* of the attraction. Is it suspense? Use 'gripping' or 'riveting.' Is it beauty? Use 'captivating' or 'enthralling.' Is it intellectual depth? Use 'compelling' or 'engrossing.'

"The magician's performance was spellbinding, leaving the children in absolute awe."

Comparison Table

Gripping: Suspenseful, intense, hard to put down.
Riveting: Visually or mentally impossible to look away from.
Enthralling: Beautiful, fascinating, almost magical.
Engrossing: Deeply absorbing, taking up all your mental space.

"The historian provided an engrossing account of the city's founding, filled with rich detail."

"The documentary was so riveting that I didn't even notice my phone ringing."

By mastering these alternatives, you can tailor your language to the specific emotion you want to convey. Whether you are describing a 'gripping' thriller or an 'enthralling' symphony, your choice of words will help your audience feel exactly what you felt. Remember, the goal of these adjectives is to bridge the gap between your experience and the listener's imagination.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

중립

비격식체

Child friendly

속어

재미있는 사실

The metaphorical use of 'gripping' to mean 'interesting' didn't become common until the mid-19th century, coinciding with the rise of popular thriller novels.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈɡrɪp.ɪŋ/

US /ˈɡrɪp.ɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: GRIP-ping.

라임이 맞는 단어

tripping shipping slipping flipping clipping dipping ripping zipping

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'g' at the end too hard (it should be a soft nasal sound).
Confusing the vowel sound with 'e' (greeping).
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Dropping the 'g' entirely (grippin').
Mixing up the 'i' sound with 'ai' (gry-ping).

난이도

독해 3/5

Common in reviews and news, easy to recognize.

쓰기 4/5

Requires understanding of which nouns it can modify.

말하기 3/5

Natural in conversation about hobbies.

듣기 2/5

Clear pronunciation and common usage.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

grip interest exciting story hold

다음에 배울 것

riveting enthralling compelling suspense narrative

고급

visceral immersive captivating spellbinding engrossing

알아야 할 문법

Participial Adjectives

The story is gripping (active/cause); I am gripped (passive/effect).

Adverbs of Degree

It was absolutely gripping (use strong adverbs with strong adjectives).

Attributive vs Predicative

A gripping tale (attributive); The tale was gripping (predicative).

Noun Modification

Gripping modifies nouns that represent experiences or durations.

Comparison

This movie is more gripping than the last one.

수준별 예문

The movie was very gripping.

Film itu sangat menarik dan menegangkan.

Adjective after 'was'.

I like gripping stories.

Saya suka cerita yang mendebarkan.

Adjective before a noun.

Is the book gripping?

Apakah bukunya seru?

Question form.

The game was gripping today.

Pertandingannya seru sekali hari ini.

Describing an event.

It is a gripping film.

Ini adalah film yang mendebarkan.

Article 'a' before the adjective.

That story is not gripping.

Cerita itu tidak seru.

Negative form.

The end was gripping.

Akhirnya sangat mendebarkan.

Describing a part of something.

We saw a gripping play.

Kami melihat pertunjukan teater yang seru.

Past tense verb 'saw'.

The thriller was absolutely gripping.

Film thriller itu benar-benar mendebarkan.

Using 'absolutely' as an intensifier.

She told a gripping tale of her travels.

Dia menceritakan kisah perjalanannya yang sangat menarik.

Collocation: 'gripping tale'.

The last ten minutes were gripping.

Sepuluh menit terakhir sangat mendebarkan.

Plural subject 'minutes'.

I found the documentary very gripping.

Saya merasa dokumenter itu sangat menarik.

Structure: 'found [something] [adjective]'.

The match became gripping in the second half.

Pertandingannya menjadi seru di babak kedua.

Verb 'became'.

He writes gripping mystery novels.

Dia menulis novel misteri yang mendebarkan.

Describing a genre.

The news report was gripping.

Laporan beritanya sangat menarik perhatian.

Describing non-fiction.

Was the movie as gripping as the book?

Apakah filmnya seseru bukunya?

Comparison: 'as [adjective] as'.

The novel's plot is incredibly gripping.

Alur novelnya sangat mendebarkan.

Adverb 'incredibly' modifying the adjective.

It was a gripping account of the rescue mission.

Itu adalah laporan yang mendebarkan tentang misi penyelamatan.

Noun phrase: 'gripping account'.

The performance was so gripping that no one moved.

Pertunjukannya begitu mendebarkan sehingga tidak ada yang bergerak.

Structure: 'so [adjective] that'.

Critics described the film as a gripping masterpiece.

Kritikus menggambarkan film tersebut sebagai mahakarya yang mendebarkan.

Verb 'described' with 'as'.

The tension in the courtroom was gripping.

Ketegangan di ruang sidang sangat mendebarkan.

Abstract noun 'tension' as subject.

I couldn't stop reading; it was truly gripping.

Saya tidak bisa berhenti membaca; itu benar-benar mendebarkan.

Semicolon connecting two related thoughts.

The series finale provided a gripping conclusion.

Akhir seri tersebut memberikan kesimpulan yang mendebarkan.

Collocation: 'gripping conclusion'.

Her speech was a gripping call to action.

Pidatonya adalah seruan untuk bertindak yang mendebarkan.

Metaphorical use for a speech.

The documentary offers a gripping insight into the crisis.

Dokumenter itu menawarkan wawasan yang mendebarkan tentang krisis tersebut.

Collocation: 'gripping insight'.

The play's gripping narrative kept the audience enthralled.

Narasi drama yang mendebarkan membuat penonton terpikat.

Possessive 'play's' modifying the noun phrase.

It’s a gripping drama that explores complex themes.

Ini adalah drama mendebarkan yang mengeksplorasi tema-tema kompleks.

Relative clause 'that explores...'.

The witness gave a gripping testimony.

Saksi memberikan kesaksian yang mendebarkan.

Formal context: legal testimony.

The book is a gripping page-turner from start to finish.

Buku ini adalah bacaan yang mendebarkan dari awal sampai akhir.

Idiomatic expression: 'page-turner'.

The director is known for his gripping visual style.

Sutradara itu dikenal karena gaya visualnya yang mendebarkan.

Passive voice: 'is known for'.

The finale was a gripping display of skill and determination.

Finalnya adalah tampilan keterampilan dan tekad yang mendebarkan.

Abstract nouns 'skill and determination'.

The report provides a gripping look at the future of AI.

Laporan tersebut memberikan pandangan yang mendebarkan tentang masa depan AI.

Prepositional phrase 'at the future of AI'.

The author crafts a gripping atmosphere of dread.

Penulis menciptakan suasana ketakutan yang mendebarkan.

Verb 'crafts' implies artistic skill.

The film is a gripping exploration of human morality.

Film ini adalah eksplorasi mendebarkan tentang moralitas manusia.

Academic/Critical tone.

Despite its length, the biography remains gripping throughout.

Meskipun panjang, biografinya tetap mendebarkan di seluruh bagiannya.

Concession clause starting with 'Despite'.

The gripping tension was palpable in the room.

Ketegangan yang mendebarkan terasa nyata di ruangan itu.

Adjective 'palpable' describing the tension.

The series is a gripping indictment of social inequality.

Seri ini adalah kecaman mendebarkan terhadap ketimpangan sosial.

Metaphorical use: 'indictment'.

His gripping portrayal of the villain was chilling.

Penggambarannya yang mendebarkan tentang penjahat itu sangat mengerikan.

Noun 'portrayal'.

The article offers a gripping analysis of the political landscape.

Artikel itu menawarkan analisis mendebarkan tentang lanskap politik.

Collocation: 'gripping analysis'.

The game reached a gripping climax in the final seconds.

Permainan mencapai klimaks yang mendebarkan di detik-detik terakhir.

Verb 'reached'.

The narrative's gripping momentum never falters.

Momentum narasi yang mendebarkan tidak pernah goyah.

Abstract noun 'momentum'.

She delivered a gripping monologue that left the audience stunned.

Dia menyampaikan monolog mendebarkan yang membuat penonton terpana.

Result clause 'that left the audience stunned'.

The book is a gripping synthesis of history and fiction.

Buku ini adalah sintesis mendebarkan antara sejarah dan fiksi.

Complex noun 'synthesis'.

The documentary’s gripping realism is its greatest strength.

Realisme dokumenter yang mendebarkan adalah kekuatan terbesarnya.

Possessive structure.

The trial was a gripping spectacle of legal maneuvering.

Persidangan itu adalah tontonan mendebarkan dari manuver hukum.

Metaphorical use: 'spectacle'.

The author maintains a gripping pace throughout the trilogy.

Penulis mempertahankan kecepatan yang mendebarkan di seluruh trilogi.

Verb 'maintains'.

The gripping urgency of the situation required immediate action.

Urgensi situasi yang mendebarkan membutuhkan tindakan segera.

Adjective modifying 'urgency'.

The film’s gripping subtext adds layers of meaning.

Subteks film yang mendebarkan menambah lapisan makna.

Critical term: 'subtext'.

자주 쓰는 조합

gripping story

gripping thriller

gripping drama

gripping account

gripping performance

gripping finale

gripping suspense

gripping testimony

gripping climax

absolutely gripping

자주 쓰는 구문

a gripping read

gripping stuff

from start to finish

keep someone in a gripping hold

gripping tension

a gripping tale of...

truly gripping

gripping realism

gripping action

find something gripping

자주 혼동되는 단어

gripping vs gripped

Gripped is how you feel; gripping is what the story is.

gripping vs grasping

Grasping usually means greedy or physically reaching, not interesting.

gripping vs griping

Griping means complaining, which is very different from gripping!

관용어 및 표현

"on the edge of one's seat"

Very excited and giving full attention to something.

The gripping finale had everyone on the edge of their seats.

informal

"keep someone in suspense"

To delay telling someone what they want to know.

The gripping plot kept us in suspense until the end.

neutral

"a page-turner"

A book that is so exciting that you read it very quickly.

This gripping thriller is a real page-turner.

informal

"hold someone spellbound"

To hold someone's attention as if by magic.

The gripping story held the children spellbound.

literary

"breathless with excitement"

So excited that you find it hard to breathe.

The gripping race left the crowd breathless with excitement.

neutral

"can't put it down"

Used for a book that is so gripping you have to keep reading.

It was so gripping I just couldn't put it down.

informal

"nail-biting"

Very exciting or worrying, especially because you do not know how it will end.

It was a gripping, nail-biting finish to the game.

informal

"glue someone to the screen"

To make someone watch something with total attention.

The gripping drama glued millions to their screens.

informal

"take someone's breath away"

To be extremely exciting or beautiful.

The gripping climax took my breath away.

neutral

"keep someone guessing"

To make someone stay curious about the outcome.

The gripping mystery kept me guessing until the last page.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

gripping vs gripped

Both come from 'grip'.

Gripped is a feeling (passive), gripping is a quality (active).

I was gripped by the gripping story.

gripping vs riveting

They are very close synonyms.

Riveting is often more visual; gripping is more about narrative tension.

The sunset was riveting, but the thriller was gripping.

gripping vs compelling

Both mean holding attention.

Compelling can mean 'convincing' or 'logical', while gripping is more about 'excitement'.

He gave a compelling reason, but the story wasn't gripping.

gripping vs interesting

General category.

Interesting is mild; gripping is intense and hard to ignore.

The lecture was interesting, but the movie was gripping.

gripping vs exciting

General emotion.

Exciting is broad; gripping specifically means your attention is held tight.

The party was exciting, but the mystery was gripping.

문장 패턴

The [noun] is gripping.

The book is gripping.

It is a gripping [noun].

It is a gripping movie.

I found the [noun] very gripping.

I found the story very gripping.

The [noun] was so gripping that [result].

The play was so gripping that I forgot the time.

A gripping [noun] of [subject].

A gripping account of the war.

[Noun] offers a gripping [noun] into [subject].

The film offers a gripping insight into the mind of a killer.

The [noun]'s gripping [noun] [verb].

The narrative's gripping momentum never falters.

Despite [contrast], the [noun] remains gripping.

Despite its length, the book remains gripping.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

High in media and entertainment contexts.

자주 하는 실수

I was gripping by the movie. → I was gripped by the movie.
Use the passive form 'gripped' for your feelings.
It was a very gripping sandwich. → It was a very good sandwich.
Don't use 'gripping' for mundane things like food.
The painting was gripping. → The painting was captivating.
'Gripping' is usually for things that happen over time, like stories.
I am griping about the book. → I am gripped by the book.
'Griping' means complaining. Don't confuse the two!
The story was more gripping as the other. → The story was as gripping as the other.
Use 'as...as' for equal comparisons.

팁

Use for Thrillers

This is the best word for mystery or suspense stories.

Active vs Passive

The book is gripping; you are gripped.

Avoid 'Very'

Use 'absolutely' or 'truly' instead of 'very'.

Review Power

Use this word in your next movie or book review.

Emphasis

Stress the 'GRIP' to show how much you liked it.

Variety

Mix it with 'riveting' and 'compelling' in long essays.

Trailers

Watch movie trailers to hear how they use the word.

Blurbs

Look at the back of books; you'll see this word often.

Common Pairs

Remember 'gripping story' and 'gripping drama'.

The Bike Grip

Think of holding a bike handle tightly.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'grip' on a bicycle handle. A 'gripping' story holds your brain just as tightly as you hold the handle.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant hand coming out of a book and grabbing someone's head. That's a gripping story!

Word Web

thriller suspense exciting attention hold story movie intense

챌린지

Try to describe the last movie you saw using the word 'gripping' and explain exactly why it held your attention.

어원

Derived from the Old English word 'grippan,' which means to seize or take hold of. It is related to the word 'gripe.'

원래 의미: The physical act of seizing or clutching something firmly with the hands.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

Generally a safe, positive word, but be careful when using it for tragic real-life events, as it can sometimes sound insensitive if the focus is only on the 'excitement' of the tragedy.

Commonly used in professional reviews (NYT, BBC, etc.) to recommend high-quality media.

Often used to describe Hitchcock films. Commonly found in Stephen King book reviews. Used in sports headlines for 'The Miracle on Ice'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Book Reviews

a gripping read
unputdownable
page-turner
narrative drive

Movie Discussions

gripping thriller
edge of your seat
intense performance
plot twists

Sports

gripping match
nail-biting finish
tense atmosphere
thrilling contest

News/Journalism

gripping account
first-hand testimony
unfolding drama
intense struggle

Legal/Courtroom

gripping trial
compelling evidence
witness testimony
legal drama

대화 시작하기

"What is the most gripping book you have ever read?"

"Have you seen any gripping movies lately?"

"Do you find documentaries more gripping than fictional films?"

"What makes a story gripping for you: the characters or the plot?"

"Was the last sports match you watched gripping or boring?"

일기 주제

Describe a time when you were so gripped by a story that you forgot where you were.

Write a review of a gripping movie you recently watched.

If you were writing a gripping thriller, what would the first scene be?

Explain why some people find true crime stories so gripping.

Compare a gripping experience you had in real life to one you saw in a movie.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Usually, no. You describe their performance or their story as gripping, but not the person themselves, unless you mean they are physically holding something.

In a critical sense, yes. It means the work is well-made. However, the subject can be negative, like a 'gripping tragedy'.

They are almost the same. 'Riveting' is slightly more intense and often used for visual things. 'Gripping' is the standard for stories.

Yes, especially if it is very close and exciting until the very end.

Yes, it is very common in English, especially in reviews and conversations about entertainment.

Use it to evaluate the engagement level of a text or film. E.g., 'The author uses suspense to create a gripping narrative.'

You can, but 'absolutely gripping' or 'truly gripping' sounds more natural and powerful.

It's an informal way of saying 'that is very exciting/interesting'.

Rarely, unless you are describing a presentation or a very intense market situation.

No, it is almost exclusively for things you watch, read, or experience as a narrative.