-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

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noun

attraction

uh-TRAK-shun/əˈtrækʃn/

A pull drawing things toward one another.

The waterfall's attraction draws visitors to the nearby overlook.

A beautiful waterfall attracts a small diverse group of visitors on a safe overlook.

Etymology

atLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

+tractLatindraw, pull, drag

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The underlying image is drawing something toward oneself. Physical pulling became a metaphor for drawing interest or affection, and an attraction came to mean something that draws people.

In context

Talking Greece1:10

While the canal may not be as economically important today, it remains a popular tourist attraction. Visitors are often amazed by its engineering and historical significance.

What Is The Isthmus Of Corinth? - Talking Greece

More examples

The old castle is the town's main tourist attraction.
They felt an immediate attraction to one another.
The attraction of working outdoors outweighed the uncertain hours.

Forms

attraction · attractions

attract verb — To draw something closer or gain interest.

Similar words

appeal: Specifically describes interest or desirability rather than physical force.
pull: Is a more everyday word for force or influence.