Words / B2

temp-TAYSHUN/tempˈteɪʃn/

Temptation is a strong wish to do something unwise: resist temptation; the temptation to + verb. Tempt is the verb. Desire is wider and not always unwise. Uncountable in resist temptation; a temptation is also used. Do not call a duty a temptation. Exam halls: the temptation to check a phone.

Meaning

A strong wish to do something, especially something unwise or wrong.

Examples

• “The temptation to check a phone in the exam hall is a disciplinary risk.”
• “She resisted the temptation to guess without reading the graph.”

Good to know

resist temptation; the temptation to + verb. Verb: tempt. Wider: desire. Uncountable and countable. Not a professional duty.

New