tempt

Use the word "tempt" when a person feels a strong desire to do something. This desire may force a decision that goes against a personal knowledge of what is right or wrong, healthy or unhealthy, safe or dangerous. People are tempted by desire every day:

• I felt tempted to have another piece of cheesecake even though I knew it would ruin my diet.
• Sean is tempted to leave the company he works for and find a different job.
• Big and quick financial gains tempt investors to take risks in the stock market.
• It’s tempting to believe that English can be learned in some way that is fast and easy, but that’s a false belief.
• Laura and Scott are tempted to buy a luxury car like a Mercedes, but they know they should buy something more practical like a Toyota Camry.
• The people who want to buy the house have made a very tempting offer.

The word "temptation" is a noun.

• You should resist the temptation to take the easy way out of certain difficult situations. It’s better to take care of a problem properly.
• The temptation to take the money and run was strong, but Kevin knew it was the wrong thing to do, so he didn’t.
• We are faced with temptations every day.
• A person who has a strong will can resist a temptation.

It’s hard to resist a temptation.

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February 16, 2016