Skip to main content

temptation — the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtemptˈeɪʃən/

Example Sentences

  • The chocolate cake in the fridge was a constant temptation during my diet.
  • His biggest temptation was checking his phone every five minutes during the exam.
  • She couldn't resist the temptation to peek at her birthday presents.

temptation

NOUN

[/ˈtemptˈeɪʃən/]

the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise

While the strict student successfully resisted the sweet snack, he felt a strong temptation to eat it.
💡 Concept

While the strict student successfully resisted the sweet snack, he felt a strong temptation to eat it.

TEMPT (entice) + ATION (state) — by dangling a shiny treasure to TEMPT his heart, the thief brought a dangerous temptation.
🧠 Mnemonic

TEMPT (entice) + ATION (state) — by dangling a shiny treasure to TEMPT his heart, the thief brought a dangerous temptation.

Waiting quietly at the train station and ready for sudden action, she faced a great temptation.
🎵 Rhyme

Waiting quietly at the train station and ready for sudden action, she faced a great temptation.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈtemptˈeɪʃən/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈtemptˈeɪʃən/

🌳Etymology

Roottempt
Suffix--ation

Origin

Temptation derives from Latin temptare, meaning 'to test' or 'to entice.' In ancient Rome, this verb was used to describe the testing of humans by the gods or by circumstances, eventually extending to the allure of sin or wrongdoing in Christian theology.

Breakdown

tempt- (from Latin temptare, 'to test, try, entice') + -ation (suffix denoting action, state, or condition).

🎵Rhyme

station
creation
nation
education

🔗Collocations

resist temptation
give in to temptation
face temptation
overcome temptation
avoid temptation
sexual temptation

📝Examples

“The chocolate cake in the fridge was a constant temptation during my diet.”

😄 Fun example

“His biggest temptation was checking his phone every five minutes during the exam.”

😄 Fun example

“She couldn't resist the temptation to peek at her birthday presents.”

😄 Fun example

“Online shopping became his greatest temptation during quarantine.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.