What does magnetical mean?
Magnetical is an uncommon adjective meaning magnetic, either in the physical sense of relating to magnetism or in the figurative sense of attracting attention, interest, and admiration. In scientific discussion it refers to properties of magnetism, as in “magnetical force” or “magnetical variation,” though the modern form is normally magnetic. Figuratively, it can describe a person or quality that exerts a strong personal appeal, although this usage also sounds literary or old-fashioned. The word is not obsolete in every context, but it is much less common than magnetic and is often chosen for its historical or elevated tone. It belongs to the same word family as magnet, magnetism, and magnetically, all of which are more widely used in modern speech and writing.
Of or relating to magnetism; having magnetic properties or power.
"The scientists recorded the magnetical readings taken at several locations."
The usual modern form is magnetic; magnetical is chiefly literary, historical, or archaic.
Having the power to attract attention, interest, or affection.
"The campaign was built around the candidate’s magnetical appeal to younger voters."
This figurative sense is now strongly marked as literary or old-fashioned.
Once a scientific term of the first importance, “magnetical” now lends an old-fashioned gravity to descriptions of forces that draw people or things together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does magnetical come from?
Magnetical was formed in English from magnet and the suffix -ical. Its underlying vocabulary comes through Latin from Greek magnētēs, a term associated with the mineral magnetite, or lodestone, and with the ancient region of Magnesia. The adjective belongs to the same family as magnetic and magnetism, with the -ical form once especially prominent in early modern scientific language.
Related word forms
How magnetical is actually used
In contemporary English, magnetic is normally preferred. Magnetical survives mainly in literary, historical, and deliberately archaic contexts.
Easily confused with magnetical
Magnetic is the standard modern adjective, whereas magnetical is a rarer literary or archaic form with the same basic meaning.