Basic Details
Word: Tantalising
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Something that is very tempting or exciting but remains just out of reach.
Synonyms: Tempting, alluring, enticing
Antonyms: Unappealing, disappointing, uninviting
Idioms and Phrases
- Tantalising taste: Refers to a flavour that is very appealing and makes you want more. Example: "The tantalising taste of the chocolate cake made everyone want a second slice."
- Tantalisingly close: When something is very near yet still unattainable. Example: "He was tantalisingly close to winning the race, but stumbled just before the finish line."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The tantalising smell of fresh bread baking filled the kitchen, tempting everyone to come and have a slice.
Example 2: She found the idea of travelling the world tantalising, even though she knew it would take a lot of planning.
Example 3: The garden was full of tantalising fruits, but they were just out of reach on the tall branches.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "tantalising" comes from the Greek myth of Tantalus? He was punished to stand in a pool of water that receded when he tried to drink and under a fruit tree that withdrew when he reached for the fruithence the meaning of being tempted but unable to obtain!
Famous Quote
"Hope is the dream of a waking man." Aristotle. This quote relates to tantalising as it reflects the idea of yearning for something just out of reach.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "tantalising" mean?
a) Boring
b) Very tempting
c) Unpleasant
d) Uninteresting
Answer: b) Very tempting
2. Which of these is a synonym of "tantalising"?
a) Alluring
b) Loud
c) Heavy
d) Quiet
Answer: a) Alluring
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "tantalising"?
a) Enticing
b) Tempting
c) Unappealing
d) Alluring
Answer: c) Unappealing
4. Which sentence uses "tantalising" correctly?
a) The tantalising music made everyone dance.
b) She found the tantalising book boring.
c) The tantalising aroma of dinner wafted through the house.
d) His car was tantalisingly fast.
Answer: c) The tantalising aroma of dinner wafted through the house.
5. What does "tantalisingly close" mean?
a) Very far away
b) Incredibly easy
c) Very near yet unattainable
d) Completely achieved
Answer: c) Very near yet unattainable
