Enticing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enticing

[ɪnˈtaɪsɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing something attractive or tempting

Attracting or tempting; alluring. Something that is enticing is attractive or interests you a lot.

Synonyms

alluring, appealing, captivating, seductive, tempting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enticing

Used when something is attractive and likely to persuade you to do something.

  • The idea of a vacation in the Bahamas is very enticing.
  • The enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the room.
alluring

Often used to describe something or someone who is mysteriously attractive or seduces the senses.

  • Her alluring eyes caught his attention immediately.
  • The city's nightlife is incredibly alluring.
tempting

Used when something is attractive and you want it, but it might not be good for you to have.

  • The chocolate cake was very tempting.
  • It's tempting to skip work and go to the beach today.
appealing

Typically used to describe something that is attractive or interesting.

  • The idea of working from home sounds appealing.
  • The fresh fruit looks very appealing.
captivating

Used for something that grabs your attention and holds it.

  • The actor gave a captivating performance.
  • Her singing was absolutely captivating.
seductive

Usually has a somewhat negative connotation, implying a strong, often sexually attractive, temptation.

  • The advertisement had a very seductive tone.
  • Her seductive smile made him forget everything else.

Examples of usage

  • The enticing smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the bakery.
  • The offer was so enticing that she couldn't resist.
  • The enticing colors of the sunset painted the sky in a mesmerizing display.
  • The restaurant's enticing menu made it difficult to choose just one dish.
  • The enticing advertisements drew in a large crowd of shoppers.
Context #2 | Verb

persuading someone to do something by offering something pleasant or attractive

To attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage.

Synonyms

allure, attract, lure, persuade, tempt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enticing

Used to describe something very attractive and capable of arousing strong interest or desire.

  • The aroma of freshly baked bread was enticing
  • The holiday package was so enticing that we immediately booked it
attract

Used in a general sense to describe causing someone to become interested or drawn to something.

  • The bright lights attracted many tourists
  • Good customer service attracts loyal clients
tempt

Generally used to suggest inducing someone to do something, often something they shouldn't do.

  • The cake tempted him to break his diet
  • He was tempted to take the money and run
allure

Often used to describe the mysterious and charming quality of something that draws people in.

  • The allure of the old town's cobblestone streets was undeniable
  • She couldn't resist the allure of the hidden treasure
lure

Often carries a negative connotation, suggesting trickery or deceit to draw someone in.

  • He tried to lure the cat out of the tree with a piece of fish
  • Scammers often lure victims with promises of easy money
persuade

Used to describe convincing someone to do something through reasoning or argument.

  • She managed to persuade him to go to the doctor
  • They persuaded their parents to let them go on a trip

Examples of usage

  • The salesman tried to entice customers with a special discount.
  • The company enticed top talent with generous benefits.
  • She was enticed by the promise of adventure in a foreign land.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that enticing stimuli can activate reward systems in the brain, making them more appealing.
  • Marketing often leverages enticing visuals and messages to influence consumer behavior, capitalizing on our psychological urges.
  • Enticing experiences, like attractive food or exciting products, can enhance pleasure and increase the likelihood of decision-making.

Literature

  • Many classic novels use enticing descriptions to draw readers into stories, creating an irresistible pull toward characters and settings.
  • The concept of enticement features prominently in themes of temptation and desire, seen in works from Shakespeare to modern fiction.
  • Poets often use enticing imagery to evoke emotions and create vivid pictures in the minds of their readers.

Pop Culture

  • In films, enticing characters are often portrayed with charm and mystery, keeping the audience captivated.
  • Social media influencers use enticing content, such as engaging visuals and appealing stories, to attract followers and keep them interested.
  • Brands often employ enticing advertisements featuring attractive models or mouth-watering food to capture attention and boost sales.

Culinary Arts

  • Enticing food presentation is crucial in gourmet dining, where the visual allure can enhance the dining experience.
  • Chefs often enhance the aroma and color of dishes to make them more enticing, appealing to the senses before the first bite.
  • The aroma of baking bread or fresh pastries is universally considered enticing, making it hard to resist indulging.

Origin of 'enticing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'enticing' comes from the Old French word 'enticer', meaning 'to incite or to lure'.
  • Its roots trace back to Latin, where 'inticere' means 'to set a trap or snare', highlighting the idea of drawing someone in.
  • The word has evolved over time to relate closely to concepts of allure and temptation in various languages.

The word 'enticing' originates from the Middle English word 'enticen', which came from the Old French 'enticier'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The concept of enticing has always been associated with the idea of attracting or tempting someone with something alluring or appealing.


See also: entice, enticement, enticer, enticingly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,797, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.