Tempt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tempt
[tempt ]
Definitions
to resist
To try to get someone to do something, especially something wrong or dangerous, by offering them something they want.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was tempted by the offer of money.
- I was tempted to go to the party, but I decided to stay home.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that people can feel more tempted in situations where they face immediate rewards versus long-term goals.
- The concept of impulse control relates closely to temptation; stronger impulse control can help resist tempting choices.
- Cognitive dissonance often arises when people feel tempted but know they should not give in, causing mental discomfort.
Literature
- Temptation is a central theme in many works, like the story of Adam and Eve, where the serpent tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.
- Dante's 'Inferno' features characters who succumbed to temptation, illustrating its consequences in a moral framework.
- Shakespeare often explored the dynamics of temptation in his plays, showcasing how characters grapple with desires against societal expectations.
Religious Studies
- Many religious texts discuss the concept of temptation, often portraying it as a test of faith or moral integrity.
- The idea of resisting temptation is a common theme in Christianity, particularly in the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.
- In Buddhism, overcoming temptation is related to the path toward enlightenment and overcoming desires.
Pop Culture
- In pop music, songs like 'Temptation' reflect the allure and challenges of giving in to desires.
- Television often dramatizes temptation through storylines of love triangles and conflicts of interest, capturing audiences' attention.
- Movies frequently portray moral dilemmas centered around temptation, engaging viewers through relatable struggles.
Origin of 'tempt'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tempt' comes from the Latin 'temptare,' meaning 'to try' or 'to test.'
- In Middle English, 'tempen' was used to describe trying or testing something out.
- Its cousin 'template' shares a similar root, both implying a probing or testing action.
The word 'tempt' originated from the Old French term 'tempter', which came from the Latin word 'temptare' meaning 'to test, try'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include enticing or alluring someone to do something. The concept of temptation has been explored in various religious and philosophical texts, highlighting the internal struggle between desire and morality.
See also: temptation, tempter, tempting, temptingly, temptress.