What does tempting mean?
Tempting means attractive or persuasive in a way that makes someone want to possess something, accept an offer, or pursue an action. The word is especially useful when desire and judgment are in conflict: a tempting deal may appear highly attractive while carrying hidden risks, and a tempting opportunity may invite behavior that a person later regrets. As an adjective, tempting commonly appears before nouns such as offer, prospect, proposition, and reward. It can also function as the present participle of tempt, describing an offer or prospect that persuades someone to act. The word appears in formal writing, everyday conversation, and advertising, although its implication of possible temptation or risk is stronger than a neutral word such as appealing. Tempting is related to tempt, temptation, and tempter, all of which trace their history to Latin temptare, associated with touching, trying, or enticing. Its combination of attraction and caution makes it particularly effective for describing desires that may not be wise to follow.
Having an attractive or persuasive quality that makes someone want it, accept it, or act on it.
"The prospect of a longer holiday was especially tempting."
Often implies that the attraction may be difficult to resist or may involve risk.
Being the present participle of tempt: enticing or persuading someone to do something.
"The promise of a substantial discount was tempting customers to make purchases."
Used as a participle, typically describing an offer, opportunity, prospect, or person that entices another person.
Tempting captures the moment when desire becomes stronger than caution.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tempting come from?
The word entered English through Middle English forms connected with Old French tempter, which was borrowed from the Latin temptare. Latin temptare was associated with touching, trying, testing, or enticing, and its sense eventually developed toward the modern meaning of luring someone into an action. English developed tempt and related forms, including tempter, temptation, and tempting, from this inherited vocabulary. The related word attempt also ultimately reflects the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How tempting is actually used
Tempting is common in both formal and informal English. It often suggests a strong attraction that may be sensible to resist, so it can carry a note of caution. As a participial form of the verb tempt, it can describe an offer, prospect, or person who is enticing someone to act.