Entice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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entice

[ɪnˈtaɪs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

enticing marketing campaign

To attract or tempt someone by offering them something desirable.

Synonyms

attract, lure, tempt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entice

This appears to be a duplicate entry of 'entice', please refer to the first entry for 'entice'.

attract

Use 'attract' when you are talking about drawing someone or something towards a person, place, or thing. Often used in a broader sense than 'entice'.

  • The beautiful garden attracts many visitors during the summer
tempt

Use 'tempt' when you are talking about encouraging someone to do something they might consider wrong or unwise by making it seem appealing. Often involves moral or ethical considerations.

  • She was tempted to eat the chocolate cake even though she was on a diet
lure

Use 'lure' when you are talking about leading someone into a trap or a dangerous situation by making something seem very appealing. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The villain tried to lure the hero into a trap with promises of treasure

Examples of usage

  • They used the new product launch to entice customers to visit the store.
  • The job offer was so good that it enticed her to leave her current position.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies on incentives show that people are more likely to engage in an activity when they perceive a reward.
  • The principle of 'operant conditioning' explains how enticing rewards can modify behavior.
  • Magnetic attraction and compelling imagery are psychological tactics often used to entice customers in advertising.

Pop Culture

  • In film and literature, characters often use charm or beauty to entice others into their plans, portraying a common trope.
  • Many successful advertisements create enticing visuals and offers to draw attention, effectively manipulating consumer behavior.
  • Songs and art frequently explore themes of seduction and allure, centering around the concept of enticement.

Literature

  • Classic tales like 'The Odyssey' feature characters enticing others through wit and cunning.
  • Modern novels often depict love interests using subtle actions to entice attention, enhancing romantic tension.
  • Poetry frequently reflects on the enticement of nature and beauty, illustrating how allure influences human emotions.

Business

  • Marketing strategies often involve enticing customers by creating a sense of scarcity, such as 'limited time offers'.
  • Freemium models entice users to try products before committing to a purchase, leveraging initial interest.
  • Successful brands often use testimonials and reviews to entice potential customers by building trust and credibility.

Origin of 'entice'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old French term 'enticer', meaning 'to incite', dating back to the 12th century.
  • It is derived from the Latin word 'intitiare', meaning 'to entice or instigate'.
  • The transformation from 'enticer' in Old French to 'entice' in English shows how languages evolve over time.

The word 'entice' originated from the Old French word 'enticier', which means 'to incite, to provoke'. It entered the English language in the 14th century. Over time, the meaning shifted to its current usage of attracting or tempting someone with something desirable.


See also: enticement, enticer, enticing, enticingly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,440, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.