Words / B2

TEMPT/tempt/

To tempt is to make someone want to do something, often unwise: tempt someone to cheat; be tempted by. Temptation is the noun (already in the dictionary); attempt is to try (already elsewhere). Do not be tempted to pad the bibliography. Mix-up: attempt / contempt. Do not write tempt for a formal offer with no pull towards risk.

Meaning

To make someone want to do something, especially something unwise.

Examples

• “Do not be tempted to pad the bibliography with unread titles.”
• “Low prices tempted shoppers into debt, the case study said, which is the lure sense.”

Good to know

tempt + someone + to; be tempted by / to. Noun: temptation. Trap: attempt. Exams, news, and PSHE. Make someone want the unwise option, not merely “ask”.

Near in meaning

lure

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