Tempted: meaning, definitions and examples

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tempted

 

[ ˈtɛmptɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

feeling attracted

To be tempted means to have an urge or desire to do something, especially something that is unwise or wrong. It often implies a struggle between what one wants to do and what one knows is best. Temptation can arise in various contexts, including food, habits, or moral decisions. Individuals may feel compelled to give in to temptation even when they are aware of its potential negative consequences.

Synonyms

attracted, enticed, inclined, lured

Examples of usage

  • She was tempted to skip her workout.
  • He felt tempted to taste the delicious dessert.
  • They were tempted to leave early from the meeting.

Translations

Translations of the word "tempted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tentado

🇮🇳 लुभाया गया

🇩🇪 verführt

🇮🇩 tergoda

🇺🇦 спокушений

🇵🇱 skuszony

🇯🇵 誘惑された

🇫🇷 tenté

🇪🇸 tentado

🇹🇷 baştan çıkarılmış

🇰🇷 유혹받은

🇸🇦 مغري

🇨🇿 sváden

🇸🇰 pokúšaný

🇨🇳 被诱惑的

🇸🇮 zapeljiv

🇮🇸 freistaður

🇰🇿 тарту

🇬🇪 მოსულხარ

🇦🇿 cazibədar

🇲🇽 tentado

Etymology

The word 'tempted' comes from the Old French 'temter,' which means 'to test or to try.' This, in turn, derived from the Latin 'temptare,' meaning 'to handle, to try out, or to test.' The roots of the word indicate an action that involves a challenge or test of one's will. It has been used in English since the 14th century, and its connotations have evolved, often associated with moral decisions. Originally, to tempt was neutral, referring to any kind of urging, but over time it has come to refer more commonly to enticing someone towards something considered wrong or unwise, particularly in religious and ethical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,119 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.