Charmed and captivated: exploring "beguile" vs. "bewitch"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 16/11/2024, 08:01

English.me team member

Beguile and bewitch. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "beguile" and "bewitch" involve charming or enchanting someone, often in a deceptive or captivating manner. They can both imply leading someone astray or attracting them in an almost magical way.

What is different?

While "beguile" often emphasizes deception or trickery in its enchantment, "bewitch" typically conveys a sense of magical or supernatural influence, sometimes literally referring to witchcraft.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Beguile

The conman used his charm to beguile the investors.
She managed to beguile her classmates with an intricate tale.
He was beguiled by her beauty and wit.

Bewitch

The fairy tale describes how the prince was bewitched by the sorceress.
Her presence was so captivating, it seemed to bewitch everyone in the room.
He felt as if he were bewitched by the alluring melody.