'appealing' versus 'attractive'

Question

Hi everybody,Could you tell me situations where the words 'appealing' and 'attractive' are not interchangeable? I checked these words in the following dictionaries:http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/appealinghttp://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/appealinghttp://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/appealing?q=appealinghttp://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/appealingBased on these sources I guess that it isn't necessary to deal with the second meaning of 'appealing' (that differs from 'attractive' to a great extent). I also wouldn't use 'appealing' for a nice-looking girl (I just said an example.). Maybe I'm wrong. I don't know.I think it is mainly a collocation-related matter. Please highlight the main differences between these two words (if it is possible) for me.Thanks for your help in advance.

Ivanhr · Accepted Answer

While the two are normally interchangeable, using "appealing" does seem to add a note of mystique that is usually not present if you use "attractive" (this is somewhat subjective and others may disagree).

Also, if you're talking about a person's good looks, then only "attractive" works.

Hole One a New See · Answer

Thank you, Ivanhr

Could you (or anybody else) tell me other differences (if any)?

Thanks for your help in advance.

'appealing' versus 'attractive'

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