What does "tempting" mean?

1. (attractive or appealing) something that looks or sounds so good that you really want it. 2. (trying to persuade) the action of trying to make someone do something, often something wrong. 3. (the act of temptation) the act of making someone feel they want to do something they should not.

tempting

adj. · v. · n.

US //ˈtɛmptɪŋ// UK //tˈɛmptɪŋ// tempt·ing

1 attractive or appealing (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

something that looks or sounds so good that you really want it.

appealing or enticing in a way that creates a strong desire to possess or experience something.

Example

The chocolate cake in the window looked very tempting after a long day.

Example

The job offer was incredibly tempting, featuring a significant salary increase and the opportunity to lead a global team from the London office.
- unappealing
- repulsive
2 trying to persuade (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the action of trying to make someone do something, often something wrong.

the present participle of 'tempt', describing the act of enticing or inciting someone to do something unwise or immoral.

Example

He was tempting his friend to skip class and go to the beach instead.

Example

By offering such a high commission, the company was essentially tempting its agents to overlook the ethical implications of the deal.
- luring
- enticing
- deterring

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3 the act of temptation (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the act of making someone feel they want to do something they should not.

the gerund form representing the act of subjecting an individual to temptation or enticement.

Example

The tempting of the young prince with power led to a great war.

Example

The narrative focuses on the constant tempting of the protagonist, illustrating his gradual descent into corruption as he prioritises personal gain over his principles.
- enticement
- allurement