Latin

in-

in, into, on, upon

Forms

in-
im- — Used before b, m, or p in Latin.
il- — Used before l in Latin.
ir- — Used before r in Latin.
en- — Developed in French in some words later borrowed into English.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *en, ‘in.’

Note

Identical spellings can hide two different prefixes: this one indicates position or direction, while the other means ‘not.’

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verb

intrigue

To arouse curiosity or fascination.

The strange message on the old postcard intrigues us both.

Etymology

intrigueFrenchto plot; involve

The French verb means to involve in complications or plotting. From engaging someone in a puzzling situation, intrigue developed the sense of arousing curiosity or fascination.

More examples

Her proposal intrigues me, but I need more details.
I've always been intrigued by how languages change.
The first chapter intrigues readers without revealing the ending.

Forms

intrigue · intrigues · intrigued · intriguing

Similar words

interest: Interest suggests engagement or attention without necessarily involving mystery.
fascinate: Fascinate suggests a stronger attraction that holds someone's attention.