"Enchanting" is a borrowed word, but what does it mean?

Often people use words in their speech, the meanings of which are not fully understood. For example, such a statement can be criticized: "The boring things at the party was just enchanting!" And all because the author of this expression does not know the meaning of the word he uses. After all, "fairy" is a fairy, magical, wonderful. And can boredom be wonderful and magical?

The origin of the word "enchanting"

This short adjective was born from the French word "fee", which was translated as "fairy, sorceress". Later appeared the same root derivative "feerie", meaning "magic spectacle". It was in this form that it migrated to us in Russian speech. Of course, it was used mainly in book lexicon, in theatrical productions, when it was necessary to emphasize the pathos of the characters. A little later, the very word "extravaganza" in the Russian language acquired a wider meaning, including works of both literary and theatrical art. One quality remains important: the definition of "enchanting" is an indication that the type of the described object or phenomenon is necessarily connected with fantasy, magic, miracle. So, for example, the famous works of Alexander Green are called extravaganza-stories, because their stories can be attributed to a somewhat fabulous. Yes, and "Master and Margarita" Bulgakov refers to the same genre.

Portable word meaning

Unfortunately, there are few miracles in the world, magic is completely absent, according to atheist scientists. Practically everything is explained scientifically. And the word still lives, no matter what! And all because today the meaning of the word "enchanting" has changed a little. Most often it is used in a figurative sense. After all, in the mouths of writers, poets, enthusiastic people who love a beautiful figurative syllable, there can be a magic night, if we talk about its extraordinary beauty, the waterfall can be a fairy-tale one. Therefore, the phrase "The flow of water was overthrown, and its appearance was delightful!" He was just enchanting ... "This statement underscores the unearthly beauty of the waterfall, comparable to a fantastic spectacle.

The definition of "enchanting" as an excellent degree of skill

Who will argue with the fact that often a wonderfully performed work is compared to a miracle? The same is said about the process itself. Especially it concerns the work of actors, singers. An example is the text: "Charlie Chaplin - talent, his game is so enchanting that it is impossible to look away from this ridiculous awkward little man! And yet this actor had beautiful features, was extremely cute and flexible, serious and thoughtful, intelligent and hardworking. "

Hence we can conclude: the word "enchanting" is used only to express strong positive impressions, characterizes only positive qualities and phenomena. And, of course, it's ridiculous to use it in conversation, along with vernacular expressions.