temptation

/tempˈteɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /tempˈteɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /tem(p)-ˈtā-shən/ (ame, mw)

temptation — noun

  • temptationsingular
  • temptationsplural

1. The strong internal pull you feel when you want to do something you know is wron

1.名詞B1
釋義

The strong internal pull you feel when you want to do something you know is wrong, unwise, or harmful, even while you are trying to avoid it.

例句

Anna resisted the strong temptation to check her phone during the two-hour exam.

resist the temptation to + infinitive

On a diet, Liam could not resist the temptation to eat one more piece of cake.

cannot resist the temptation to + infinitive

同義詞
  • urge

    Stronger instinctive drive, less focused on moral conflict

  • desire

    Broader term, does not carry the sense of forbidden or wrong

  • longing

    More emotional and wistful, less urgent than temptation

反義詞
  • resistance

    The act of not giving in to temptation

  • self-control

    The personal quality that helps one resist temptation

文法句型

temptation + to-infinitive

the temptation of + noun/gerund

resist/give in to temptation

用法筆記

Often followed by a to-infinitive that names the unwanted action. Can be uncountable when referring to the general feeling (He struggled with temptation) or countable when referring to a specific urge (a sudden temptation to scream).

常見錯誤

❌He couldn't help the temptation of eating the whole cake.
✅He couldn't resist the temptation of eating the whole cake.
💡'resist' is the standard collocation; 'help' is not used with 'temptation.'

2. Any person, thing, or situation whose strong appeal pulls you toward an action y

2.名詞B1
釋義

Any person, thing, or situation whose strong appeal pulls you toward an action you would normally avoid.

例句

The box of chocolates sitting on the kitchen counter was a constant temptation for Padma.

be a temptation for [someone]

For someone quitting smoking, an open pack on the table is a terrible temptation.

同義詞
  • lure

    Emphasises deception or trickery; something that pulls you in by false promise

  • bait

    Deliberately used to trap or catch someone; more intentional than temptation

  • draw

    Neutral and less negative; can be positive or simply attractive

反義詞
  • deterrent

    Something that discourages action rather than encourages it

文法句型

be + a temptation + for/to + person

a + adjective + temptation

用法筆記

Almost always countable. Often used with the verb 'be' to describe something as an obstacle to a person's self-discipline. The object of the preposition is typically a person or a group: 'a temptation for dieters.'