Enthralled vs Inthralled: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you ever inthralled by a good book or movie, or are you enthralled by it? The difference between these two words may seem insignificant, but it’s important to know which one to use in the right context. Enthralled and inthralled are both valid words, but they have different meanings and uses.

Enthralled is the correct spelling of the word, and it means to captivate or charm someone. It’s often used to describe a person’s fascination with something, such as a gripping novel or a thrilling movie. Inthralled, on the other hand, is an archaic spelling of the same word. It’s rarely used today, and it means to enslave or hold captive.

Now that we’ve established the difference between these two words, let’s delve deeper into their definitions and uses.

Define Enthralled

Enthralled is an adjective that describes a state of being captivated, fascinated, or deeply interested in something. When a person is enthralled, they are completely absorbed in the object of their attention, often to the point of being unaware of anything else around them. This feeling of enchantment can be experienced in a variety of contexts, such as when reading a gripping novel, watching a captivating movie, or listening to a mesmerizing piece of music.

Define Inthralled

Inthralled is a less common variant of the word enthralled, which means the same thing. It is a synonym that is used less frequently, but it carries the same connotations of being deeply interested and captivated by something. The prefix “in-” in inthralled is an archaic form of “en-“, which means “to cause to be in” or “to put into a certain state”. Therefore, inthralled can be interpreted as “put into a state of being enthralled”.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they should be properly used. This is especially true for words that sound similar but have different spellings and meanings, such as enthralled and inthralled.

How To Use Enthralled In A Sentence

The word enthralled means to captivate or charm someone, to hold their attention completely. Here are some examples of how to use enthralled in a sentence:

• She was enthralled by the beautiful sunset.
• The audience was enthralled by the magician’s performance.
• I was completely enthralled by the novel and couldn’t put it down.

As you can see, enthralled is often used to describe a person’s reaction to something that is captivating or fascinating.

How To Use Inthralled In A Sentence

The word inthralled, on the other hand, is a less common spelling of the word enthrall, which means to enslave or hold captive. It is often used in a more figurative sense to describe someone who is completely under the control of another person or thing. Here are some examples of how to use inthralled in a sentence:

• The cult leader had inthralled his followers with his charismatic personality.
• The company was inthralled by the promise of huge profits and ignored the risks.
• She felt inthralled by her addiction and couldn’t break free from it.

It’s important to note that inthralled is a less common spelling of enthrall and may not be recognized by some spell-check programs. It’s also important to use the correct spelling of a word to avoid confusion and maintain clarity in your writing.

More Examples Of Enthralled & Inthralled Used In Sentences

Enthralled and inthralled are two words that are often confused for each other because of their similar spellings. However, their meanings are quite different. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Enthralled In A Sentence

• She was completely enthralled by the magician’s performance.
• The children were enthralled by the story their teacher was reading.
• I was enthralled by the beauty of the sunset.
• He was so enthralled by the movie that he didn’t even notice the time passing.
• The audience was enthralled by the singer’s powerful voice.
• She was enthralled by the idea of traveling to a foreign country.
• The students were enthralled by the guest speaker’s presentation.
• He was enthralled by the history of the ancient ruins.
• She was completely enthralled by the book she was reading.
• The crowd was enthralled by the acrobat’s daring performance.

Examples Of Using Inthralled In A Sentence

• The prisoners were inthralled by their captors.
• She felt inthralled by the demands of her job.
• He was inthralled by the power and wealth of the corporation.
• The country was inthralled by the dictator’s regime.
• The workers were inthralled by the company’s policies.
• She was inthralled by the idea of fame and fortune.
• The citizens were inthralled by the promises of the politician.
• He was inthralled by the allure of the criminal underworld.
• The villagers were inthralled by the superstitions of their ancestors.
• She was inthralled by the cult leader’s charisma and charm.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words enthralled and inthralled, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, the two words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words:

Mistake 1: Using Inthralled Instead Of Enthralled

Some people mistakenly use inthralled instead of enthralled, thinking that they mean the same thing. However, inthralled is not a correct spelling of the word. The correct spelling is enthralled.

Mistake 2: Using Enthralled To Mean Enslaved

Enthralled means to captivate or fascinate, while enslaved means to be held captive or in bondage. Some people use enthralled to mean enslaved, which is incorrect. It is important to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.

Mistake 3: Using Inthralled To Mean Enthralled

As mentioned earlier, inthralled is not a correct spelling of the word. Some people use it interchangeably with enthralled, which is incorrect. It is important to use the correct spelling to avoid confusion and convey the intended meaning.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

Tips To Avoid Mistakes

• Use a dictionary or thesaurus to check the spelling and meaning of words before using them.
• Read widely to improve your vocabulary and understanding of words.
• Proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct words and spelling.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following these tips, you can improve your writing and communication skills.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “enthralled” and “inthralled,” context plays a significant role in determining which one to use. While both words have similar meanings, they are not interchangeable in all situations.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “enthralled” and “inthralled” might change:

Context 1: Entertainment

In the context of entertainment, “enthralled” is often used to describe a person’s captivation or fascination with a particular performance or piece of art. For example:

• “The audience was completely enthralled by the magician’s performance.”
• “I was enthralled by the beauty of the painting.”

On the other hand, “inthralled” is not commonly used in this context and may even be considered archaic.

Context 2: Captivity

In the context of captivity or imprisonment, “inthralled” is the more appropriate word to use. It conveys a sense of being held captive or imprisoned against one’s will. For example:

• “The hostages were inthralled by their captors.”
• “She felt inthralled by her own fears and anxieties.”

In this context, using “enthralled” would be inappropriate and could even be seen as insensitive or trivializing the experience of being held captive.

Context 3: Historical Or Literary

In historical or literary contexts, both “enthralled” and “inthralled” can be used, but they may have slightly different connotations. “Enthralled” is often used to describe a person’s captivation or fascination with a particular historical figure or literary work. For example:

• “I was enthralled by the story of Anne Frank.”
• “She was completely enthralled by the works of Shakespeare.”

“Inthralled,” on the other hand, is often used to describe a person’s enslavement or captivity in a historical or literary context. For example:

• “The slaves were inthralled by their masters.”
• “The protagonist was inthralled by the evil sorcerer.”

Again, while both words can be used in this context, it is important to consider the specific connotations and choose the appropriate word accordingly.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using enthralled and inthralled are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where these rules might not apply. In such cases, it is important to understand the context and usage of these words to avoid any confusion.

Exception 1: Historical Usage

One exception to the rules for using enthralled and inthralled is their historical usage. In the past, these words were used interchangeably, and there was no distinction between them. Therefore, when reading historical literature or documents, it is common to find both words used to mean the same thing.

For example, in Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest,” the character Miranda says, “I am inthralled / By the sweet voice of the enchantress.” Here, Shakespeare uses inthralled to mean the same thing as enthralled, which was a common practice in his time.

Exception 2: Regional Differences

Another exception to the rules for using enthralled and inthralled is regional differences. In some parts of the world, one word might be more commonly used than the other, or both words might be used interchangeably.

For instance, in British English, both enthralled and inthralled are used, but in American English, enthralled is more commonly used. Similarly, in some regions of India, inthralled is used more frequently than enthralled.

Exception 3: Figurative Usage

Finally, there are cases where enthralled and inthralled are used figuratively, and their meanings can vary depending on the context. In such cases, it is important to understand the intended meaning of the word in the given context.

For example, the phrase “enthralled by the music” means to be captivated or mesmerized by the music. On the other hand, the phrase “inthralled by debt” means to be enslaved or held captive by debt. Here, inthralled is used in a figurative sense to convey a sense of bondage or captivity.

It is important to note that such figurative usages are context-dependent, and their meanings can vary depending on the context in which they are used.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between enthralled and inthralled, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (enthralled or inthralled) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. She was __________ by the beauty of the sunset.
2. The audience was completely __________ by the magician’s performance.
3. The prisoner was __________ in his cell for months before being released.
4. He was so __________ by the book that he couldn’t put it down.

Answer Key:

1. enthralled
2. enthralled
3. inthralled
4. enthralled

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following words:

1. enthralled
2. inthralled
3. enthralled
4. inthralled

Answer Key:

1. I was completely enthralled by the performance.
2. The prisoner was inthralled in his cell for months.
3. She was enthralled by the beauty of the painting.
4. He felt inthralled by the demands of his job.

By practicing these exercises, you will become more confident in your ability to use these words correctly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that there is a significant difference between the words “enthralled” and “inthralled.” While they may seem interchangeable, their origins and meanings are distinct.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• Enthralled means captivated or fascinated, while inthralled means enslaved or imprisoned.
• The use of “inthralled” is archaic and rarely used in modern English.
• Understanding the nuances of language and grammar can greatly enhance one’s writing and communication skills.

It is important for readers to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve their own writing and communication abilities. By expanding their knowledge and vocabulary, individuals can better convey their thoughts and ideas to others.