What does seducible mean?
Seducible is an adjective meaning capable of being seduced—that is, open to temptation, persuasion, or enticement. A person described as seducible can be influenced by an offer, argument, or temptation, especially when a moral or financial inducement is involved. The word often appears in formal or literary prose, where it suggests susceptibility to influence rather than the everyday, broader sense of being easily affected. For example, “The promise of profit made him seducible” means that the prospect of gain persuaded or tempted him. Unlike “seductive,” which describes something that attracts or tempts others, “seducible” describes the person or mind that can be tempted. Its usefulness lies in making the direction of the temptation explicit: a seductive offer acts upon a seducible person. The word carries a slightly moral colouring, since being seducible can imply susceptibility to corruption, deception, or illicit persuasion, though those implications are not required by its literal meaning.
adjectiveCapable of being seduced; open to temptation, persuasion, or enticement.
- Capable of being tempted, enticed, or persuaded, especially through an attractive or morally questionable inducement.
"The promise of extraordinary wealth made him seducible."
"The promise of extraordinary wealth made him seducible."
"Even experienced judges may be seducible by an appeal to sympathy."
Seducible conceals a small journey: its Latin ancestor meant to lead aside, describing a person who can be led elsewhere.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seducible come from?
Seducible comes from Latin seducibilis, meaning “capable of being led astray” or “capable of being seduced.” It was formed from seducere, “to lead aside,” with se- meaning “apart” and ducere meaning “to lead.” The same Latin verb underlies English seduce and its relatives seduction and seductive.
How seducible is actually used
The word is formal and literary. It often carries a moral implication involving temptation, corruption, or improper persuasion, although those implications are not essential to its literal meaning.
Easily confused with seducible
Susceptible has a broader meaning, while seducible specifically suggests being open to temptation or persuasive inducement.
Reducible means capable of being reduced or brought to a smaller or simpler form, whereas seducible means capable of being tempted or enticed.