The word "riveted" is the past tense of the verb "rivet," which means to fix or hold (someone's attention) firmly. Here are some antonyms and an analysis of them:
- Bored
- Meaning: Feeling weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one's current activity.
- Analysis: "Bored" is a direct antonym to "riveted" in the context of attention - holding. When someone is riveted, their attention is completely engaged, like when watching an exciting movie or reading a captivating book. In contrast, a bored person's attention is wandering and they have little or no interest in what's going on. For example, a person might be riveted by a thrilling mystery novel, but bored by a dull lecture.
- Distracted
- Meaning: Having one's attention diverted; not able to concentrate.
- Analysis: "Distracted" implies that something is pulling the attention away from the main focus. While "riveted" means a focused and intense attention, "distracted" means that the mind is pulled in different directions. For instance, a student who is riveted to a teacher's explanation is fully engaged, but a distracted student's attention might be on the noise outside or a text message, rather than the lesson.
- Uninterested
- Meaning: Not interested; lacking interest or concern.
- Analysis: "Uninterested" shows a lack of the kind of enthusiasm or engagement that "riveted" implies. A person who is uninterested in a subject won't have their attention fixed on it as a riveted person would. For example, someone uninterested in sports won't be riveted by a football game, but might instead look for other things to do or think about.
- Averted
- Meaning: Turned away (one's eyes, thoughts, etc.); diverted.
- Analysis: "Averted" suggests a deliberate turning away of attention. When attention is riveted, it's fixed and held. But when it's averted, it's like actively looking or thinking away from something. For example, a person might avert their eyes from a violent scene in a movie, while someone else might be riveted to it out of morbid curiosity.