How to Sign "Attract"
To sign 'attract,' start with both hands open in front of you, palms facing your body. Pull both hands inward toward your chest while simultaneously closing them into fists. As your hands reach your chest, cross your wrists over each other.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'attract' is highly visual and conceptually grounded in the physical world. It represents the literal act of reaching out, grabbing something, and pulling it close to your heart or body. This iconic motion perfectly mirrors how attraction—whether it is emotional, romantic, or physical magnetism—draws people or things together. By starting with open hands and ending with closed fists crossed over the chest, the sign beautifully captures the feeling of capturing an invisible force.
Signing Tips
When signing 'attract,' focus heavily on the pulling motion to emphasize the feeling of being drawn in. Make sure your hands close into tight fists right as they cross over your chest. This visually represents grabbing onto the attraction and bringing it close to your heart. You can also adjust your facial expressions to match the context—use an intrigued or passionate expression for romantic attraction, or a more neutral, informative face when talking about magnets or science.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is starting the sign with their fists already closed instead of using open hands. Remember that you must start with open hands to properly show the process of pulling something in and catching it. Another frequent error is forgetting to cross the wrists at the end of the motion. Crossing your wrists over your chest is essential for this specific variation of the sign, as it distinguishes it from simply pulling a physical object toward you.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Attract" in a Sentence
1Magnets attract each other.
Use the sign for 'attract' to demonstrate the physical, magnetic pull between the two objects drawing them together.
2I am attracted to her personality.
In this context, use the sign to express being drawn in emotionally, pulling your hands toward your chest to show personal interest.
3Bright flowers attract bees.
Here, 'attract' visually represents how the bees are naturally drawn out of the air and toward the colorful flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sign be used for physical magnets as well as emotional attraction?
Yes, this sign is incredibly versatile. It can be used to describe physical magnetism in science, as well as emotional, romantic, or general interest in a person or thing.
Does it matter which wrist is on top when I cross them?
No, it does not matter which wrist ends up on top. Usually, your dominant hand will naturally cross over your non-dominant hand, but either way is perfectly understood by fluent signers.
How fast should I pull my hands in?
The speed of the sign can reflect the intensity of the attraction. A sudden, strong attraction might be signed with a quick, sharp pull, while a gradual, growing interest can be signed much more slowly.
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