Entice vs. Tempt — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Entice involves persuading with promises or desirable incentives, while tempt primarily involves appealing to desires, often with an implication of leading astray.
Difference Between Entice and Tempt
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Entice is generally used when there is an active attempt to attract someone through promises or rewards, while tempt is more about influencing someone by appealing to their basic desires or instincts.
Entice often implies a positive or beneficial outcome as a lure, whereas tempt can carry a negative connotation, suggesting the possibility of leading someone into making a poor choice.
Entice can be used in marketing and sales strategies where the focus is on perceived benefits, on the other hand, tempt is often used in contexts involving moral or ethical choices.
Entice typically involves a strategic, thought-out offer, whereas tempt can be more spontaneous and driven by immediate gratification.
In literature, entice might be used to describe a character’s method of strategic persuasion, while tempt is frequently used to describe inner conflicts or forbidden allure.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Connotation
Neutral or positive
Often negative
Outcome
Promises benefits or rewards
Leads to choices with potential consequences
Strategy
Involves clear, deliberate incentives
Appeals to desires or impulses
Usage Context
Marketing, promotions
Moral, ethical dilemmas
Implication
Strategic persuasion
Spontaneous, emotional appeal
Compare with Definitions
Entice
To attract or lure someone usually through the promise of a reward.
The new advertisement aims to entice customers with a 50% discount.
Tempt
To invite someone to engage in a particular behavior, usually implying a test of resistance.
She tempted him to lie about his whereabouts.
Entice
To draw physically; attract.
The aroma of freshly baked bread enticed her into the bakery.
Tempt
To entice someone to do what they should not do.
He was tempted to cheat on the exam.
Entice
To provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises.
She was enticed by the glamorous lifestyle he had promised.
Tempt
To cause someone to feel a strong desire or impulse.
The sight of the chocolate cake tempted him to abandon his diet.
Entice
To persuade someone to do something by offering something pleasant.
He was enticed into signing the contract with an offer of a bonus.
Tempt
To deal with something that poses a risk.
He tempted fate by driving without a seatbelt.
Entice
To lead on by exciting hope or desire.
The trailer was designed to entice viewers into watching the full movie.
Tempt
To attract or allure to do something often regarded as unwise.
She was tempted by the idea of skipping work to go to the beach.
Entice
Attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage
A show which should entice a new audience into the theatre
The treat is offered to entice the dog to eat
Tempt
To try to get (someone) to do wrong, especially by a promise of reward.
Entice
To attract (someone), usually to do something, by arousing hope, interest, or desire
The good review enticed me to see the movie.
Tempt
To be inviting or attractive to
A second helping tempted me. We refused the offer even though it tempted us.
Entice
(transitive) To lure; to attract by arousing desire or hope.
I enticed the little bear into the trap with a pot of honey.
Tempt
To provoke or to risk provoking
Don't tempt fate.
Entice
To draw on, by exciting hope or desire; to allure; to attract; as, the bait enticed the fishes. Often in a bad sense: To lead astray; to induce to evil; to tempt; as, the sirens enticed them to listen.
Roses blushing as they blow,And enticing men to pull.
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Go, and thine erring brother gain,Entice him home to be forgiven.
Tempt
To cause to be strongly disposed
He was tempted to walk out.
Entice
Provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion;
He lured me into temptation
Tempt
To be attractive or inviting
A meal that tempts.
Tempt
(transitive) To provoke someone to do wrong, especially by promising a reward; to entice.
She tempted me to eat the apple.
Tempt
(transitive) To attract; to allure.
Its glossy skin tempted me.
Tempt
(transitive) To provoke something; to court.
It would be tempting fate.
Tempt
To put to trial; to prove; to test; to try.
God did tempt Abraham.
Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God.
Tempt
To lead, or endeavor to lead, into evil; to entice to what is wrong; to seduce.
Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Tempt
To endeavor to persuade; to induce; to invite; to incite; to provoke; to instigate.
Tempt not the brave and needy to despair.
Nor tempt the wrath of heaven's avenging Sire.
Tempt
To endeavor to accomplish or reach; to attempt.
Ere leave be given to tempt the nether skies.
Tempt
Dispose or incline or entice to;
We were tempted by the delicious-looking food
Tempt
Provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion;
He lured me into temptation
Tempt
Give rise to a desire by being attractive or inviting;
The window displays tempted the shoppers
Tempt
Induce into action by using one's charm;
She charmed him into giving her all his money
Tempt
Try to seduce
Tempt
Try presumptuously;
St. Anthony was tempted in the desert
Common Curiosities
Which term is more often associated with ethical concerns?
"Tempt" is more often associated with ethical concerns, suggesting decisions that might lead to negative consequences or moral dilemmas.
How does the use of entice differ in advertising compared to tempt?
In advertising, "entice" is used to suggest a direct benefit or reward, aiming to draw in customers with positive outcomes, whereas "tempt" might be used to create a sense of urgency or indulgence.
What are typical scenarios where "tempt" is used?
"Tempt" is typically used in scenarios involving personal restraint, like resisting unhealthy foods, unethical actions, or impulse purchases.
Can "entice" be considered manipulative?
Yes, "entice" can be considered manipulative if it involves deceptive or exaggerated promises to persuade someone into action.
How do the consequences differ between being enticed and being tempted?
Being enticed usually leads to actions driven by promised benefits, whereas being tempted often leads to actions that might satisfy immediate desires but could have undesirable outcomes.
Is "entice" suitable for formal communication?
Yes, "entice" is suitable for formal communication, especially in business and marketing to describe strategies intended to attract interest or participation.
Can both terms be used in a positive sense?
Both terms can have positive connotations; however, "entice" typically has more positive implications, while "tempt" can have positive uses, especially when appealing to harmless indulgences.
What literary devices are commonly associated with entice and tempt?
Literary devices like metaphor and symbolism are often associated with both, where "entice" might symbolize hope and opportunity, and "tempt" often represents forbidden or risky allure.
Can either term be used in positive parenting strategies?
"Entice" can be effectively used in positive parenting, offering rewards for desired behavior, while "tempt" is less common as it may imply testing the child’s ability to resist bad choices.
Which term would be more appropriate in a legal context?
"Entice" is more appropriate in legal contexts, often related to lawful offers and incentives, whereas "tempt" might refer to coercion or inducement to illicit activities.
How do cultural perceptions influence the use of entice vs. tempt?
Cultural perceptions can influence the interpretation where "entice" might be seen as a legitimate strategy in some cultures, while "tempt" might be viewed negatively, associated with deception or moral testing.
What is the psychological impact of each term on behavior?
"Entice" can lead to motivated behavior based on anticipated rewards, while "tempt" can cause internal conflict as it often deals with the struggle against immediate, possibly risky desires.
How does the effectiveness of entice and tempt compare in marketing?
In marketing, "entice" is generally more effective for clear, benefit-driven campaigns, while "tempt" can be effective in creating a sense of urgency or exclusivity.
In what situations is "tempt" preferred over "entice"?
"Tempt" is preferred in narratives or discussions about moral challenges, inner conflict, or when describing scenarios where individuals face decisions with immediate gratifying but potentially harmful options.
Do entice and tempt have different emotional appeals?
Yes, "entice" appeals more to logic and strategic decision-making by offering clear benefits, while "tempt" appeals more to emotions and immediate desires, often playing on the senses or impulsive tendencies.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Yeast vs. Fungi
Next Comparison
Slim vs. SkinnyAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
