What does tempted mean?
Tempted is an English word meaning that one feels strongly inclined to do something, especially something attractive but possibly unwise or wrong. It is the past tense and past participle of tempt and is also widely used as an adjective. The expression “tempted to do something” is especially common: it identifies an attraction or impulse without saying that the person acted on it. Thus, “She was tempted to accept” may mean that she was drawn to the offer but did not necessarily accept it. Tempted can have a mildly negative connotation when it concerns cheating, betrayal, or another questionable choice, but it can also be neutral or positive, as in being tempted by travel, learning, or a new opportunity. The word is useful because it captures a moment of attraction before decision or action, making it especially natural in narration and moral or psychological discussion.
Feeling a strong desire or attraction to do something, especially something regarded as risky, improper, or contrary to one's better judgment.
"He was tempted by the offer of a substantial salary increase."
As an adjective, it commonly follows the subject and takes the pattern “tempted to do something.”
Tempted is the past tense and past participle of tempt, used to describe attracting someone strongly toward an action, choice, or prospect.
"The promise of quick rewards tempted the children to enter the abandoned building."
In this use, it is an inflected form of the verb tempt rather than a separate lexical entry.
The word “tempt” once meant to touch or handle before it came to mean entice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tempted come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French tempter, ultimately from Latin temptare, meaning “to touch or handle” and later “to attract or entice.” The modern sense developed as the word shifted from physical contact toward allure and persuasion. English attempt is a cognate: Latin attemptare, “to try or test,” was formed from ad- and temptare.
Related word forms
How tempted is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is common in both formal and informal English. It often suggests temptation or an unwise choice, but it can also be positive or neutral when the attraction is harmless. It does not imply that the person yielded to the temptation.
Easily confused with tempted
Tempted means attracted or inclined to do something, whereas tempered means moderated, hardened, or having a particular temper.