What does tentation mean?
Tentation is an uncommon noun meaning an inducement or occasion to do something one should not do, especially when a person or circumstance tries to persuade someone toward wrongdoing. It is closely related in meaning to the everyday word temptation, but tentation generally sounds more formal, literary, or theological. In Christian usage, “the Temptation” can refer specifically to Satan's testing of Christ after his baptism, traditionally associated with Jesus' forty days in the wilderness. The word therefore carries a sense of moral pressure as well as allure: the object of desire may be attractive, but recognizing its danger and refusing it is morally significant. Although ordinary speakers usually choose temptation, tentation can lend a passage an elevated or historical tone, and in discussions of religion it may make the reference to Christ more explicit. Recognizing the rarer word is useful when reading older texts, theology, or formal English, where it appears alongside its more familiar synonym.
nounThe action of enticing someone to do something, especially something wrong; an inducement or instance of tempting. In theological usage, it can refer specifically to Satan's temptation of Christ.
- An inducement or instance of tempting someone, especially toward wrongdoing.
- In theology, the Temptation of Christ by Satan, traditionally associated with Jesus' forty days in the wilderness.
"The promise of easy wealth proved a temptation he could not resist."
"The thought of leaving the island became a temptation he could not resist."
"In the Gospel narrative, the Temptation follows Jesus' baptism and tests his resolve."
The plural is grammatically regular but uncommon, as the singular word itself is largely restricted to formal and theological English.
"The novel explores the successive tentations of wealth, fame, and power."
In Christian tradition, the Temptation is not merely desire—it is the formidable trial of Christ by Satan in the wilderness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tentation come from?
Tentation entered English from French tentation, from Latin tentatio, a noun derived from tentare, meaning “to try, test, or tempt.” Its theological sense developed within the Christian tradition of Christ being tested or tempted by Satan. Related English words include temptation, tentative, and tenter, all reflecting the same Latin verbal root.
How tentation is actually used
Outside literary, historical, or religious contexts, this word is uncommon, and most speakers use temptation instead. The capitalized Temptation commonly denotes the biblical episode in which Satan tests Christ.
Easily confused with tentation
Temptation is the usual everyday noun for an inducement or urge to do something, whereas tentation is a rarer formal or theological equivalent.