charm

• n. 魅力、魅力; 魔法
• vt.魅惑する；魔法をかける
• vi.魔法を持つ；魅力を使う

ラテン語のcarmen（歌う、呪文を唱える）が語源のcan（唱える）が語源で、語源的にはchant（聖歌）、cantata（カンタータ）と同じ。 mの前にnがr化したもので、gen（子孫を残す）が語源のgerm、germaneと比較される。

charm

charm: [13] Although now largely weakened to mere ‘attractiveness’, the origins of charm are in magic spells and incantations. It comes via Old French charme from Latin carmen ‘song’, which was also used for the chanting or reciting of verses with supposedly magic powers. Thus in the Middle Ages, charms were synonymous with enchantment – either spoken or, in more concrete form, carried as talismans. The latter have degenerated in modern times to small trinkets worn on bracelets, an application first recorded in the mid 19th century.

charm (n.)

c. 1300, "incantation, magic charm," from Old French charme (12c.) "magic charm, magic, spell; incantation, song, lamentation," from Latin carmen "song, verse, enchantment, religious formula," from canere "to sing" (see chant (v.)), with dissimilation of -n- to -r- before -m- in intermediate form *canmen (for a similar evolution, see Latin germen "germ," from *genmen). The notion is of chanting or reciting verses of magical power.

A yet stronger power than that of herb or stone lies in the spoken word, and all nations use it both for blessing and cursing. But these, to be effective, must be choice, well knit, rhythmic words (verba concepta), must have lilt and tune; hence all that is strong in the speech wielded by priest, physician, magician, is allied to the forms of poetry. [Jacob Grimm, "Teutonic Mythology" (transl. Stallybrass), 1883]

Sense of "pleasing quality" evolved 17c. Meaning "small trinket fastened to a watch-chain, etc." first recorded 1865. Quantum physics sense is from 1964. To work like a charm (figuratively) is recorded by 1824.

charm (v.)

c. 1300, "to recite or cast a magic spell," from Old French charmer (13c.) "to enchant, to fill (someone) with desire (for something); to protect, cure, treat; to maltreat, harm," from Late Latin carminare, from Latin carmen (see charm (n.)). In Old French used alike of magical and non-magical activity. In English, "to win over by treating pleasingly, delight" from mid-15c. Related: Charmed; charming. Charmed (short for I am charmed) as a conventional reply to a greeting or meeting is attested by 1825.

1. She is very good at using her charm to get her way.

彼女は自分の魅力を利用して好きなようにするのがとても上手です。

2.Fearey had all the charm and urbanity of the trained diplomat.

フェアには、訓練された外交官のあらゆる風格と優雅さが備わっている。

3.Johnson 's easy charm contrasted sharply with the prickliness of his boss.

ジョンソンの親和性とボスの怒りっぽい性格は対照的だ。

4.He has good looks and charm ，and always falls on his feet.

彼はハンサムで魅力的で、いつも幸運を運んでいる。

5.He was a man of great charm and not inconsiderable wit.

彼は魅力的で機知に富んだ男だ。