temptation
gb/tɛmtˈeɪʃən/ us/tɛmtˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 4000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
strong urge to do something bad
A strong wish to do something that is not good for you or is not allowed.
Usage pattern:
to feel [temptation] to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'temptation' with 'tempting', which is an adjective describing something that causes temptation.
Synonyms
urge (A general term for a strong desire, not always for something wrong.)
|
allurement (More formal and often used for something attractive that draws someone in.)
Antonyms
restraint (The ability to stop yourself from doing something you want to do.)
|
disinterest (Lack of interest or desire in doing something.)
Collocations
resist temptation
|give in to temptation
|overcome temptation
|face temptation
Themes
emotions
|ethics
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He felt a strong temptation to check his phone during the meeting.
- The smell of fresh bread was a temptation she could not resist.
- She managed to walk past the bakery without giving in to temptation.
- There's always a temptation to take the easy way out.
- Traveling alone can present many temptations.
Learner examples
- I felt a temptation to eat the cake.
- It is hard to fight temptation when you are tired.
- He did not give in to temptation.
- The candy was a big temptation for the children.
Noun
B1
entity
2
something that tempts someone
A thing that makes you want to do something bad or not good for you.
Usage pattern:
[something] is a temptation for [someone]
Synonyms
enticement (Focuses on the attractive quality of the thing itself.)
|
lure (Often suggests a trap or trick designed to attract.)
Antonyms
deterrent (Something that discourages someone from doing something.)
Collocations
irresistible temptation
|constant temptation
|great temptation
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- That chocolate cake is too much of a temptation for me.
- The bonus offer was a temptation he couldn’t refuse.
- Living near the beach is a constant temptation to skip work.
Learner examples
- The candy was a big temptation for me.
- That store is a temptation for shoppers.
- The game is a temptation for children.
Grammar
Dictionary form
temptation
IPA
GB/tɛmtˈeɪʃən/
US/tɛmtˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
tempta - tion (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tion)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: temptation
- Plural: temptation, temptations
Word family
Forms
temptations
noun
Core family
tempt
verb B2
tempting
adjective
Related words
temptingly
adverb
tempter
noun
Negative and opposite forms
untempting
adjective
Expressions
give in to temptation
1/ɡˈɪv ˈɪn tə tɛmtˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
do something bad because you want it
To do something you know you should not because you really want to.
Examples
- He gave in to temptation and lied about his mistake.
- They gave in to the temptation of gambling.
lead into temptation
1/lˈid ˈɪntu tɛmtˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
literary
make someone want to do wrong
To cause someone to want to do something bad.
Examples
- He warned his friends not to lead him into temptation.
- The movie's plot led the hero into temptation.
resist temptation
1/ɹɪzˈɪst tɛmtˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Avoid giving in to temptation
To stop yourself from doing something that is nice but not good for you.
Examples
- He resisted the temptation to eat more cake.
- I had to resist temptation and not buy the expensive shoes.
- They managed to resist temptation and save their money.
- She resisted the temptation to eat another cookie.