Basic Details
Word: Temptation
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A strong wish to do or have something, especially something you know you should not; also the thing that causes that wish.
Synonyms: lure, pull, attraction
Word origin: From Latin temptare, to test or try.
How to Spell Temptation
Syllables: temp - ta - tion
Tricky part: The p is barely heard between m and t, so it often vanishes (temtation). The ending is -tion, not -sion.
Watch out for: temtation, temptasion, temptetion
Memory tip: Start with tempt, keep every letter, then add -ation as in invitation. The p that you hardly hear comes along with tempt.
Idioms and Phrases
- resist temptation: stop yourself from doing something you want to do but should not Example: "I resisted temptation and saved the last laddoo for my sister."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The smell of hot samosas from the canteen was a real temptation during the last period.
Example 2: With the exam next week, Kabir had to fight the temptation to watch the cricket final.
Example 3: The shop placed chocolates by the till as a temptation for waiting children.
Fun Fact
Tempt once meant to test someone, not to coax them. That older sense survives in phrases such as tempting fate.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
One letter in this word is not needed. Find it:
temptattion
a) p
b) t
c) a
d) i
Show answer
b) t. After tempt comes -ation with a single t, just as in invitation.
Word Connection
Choose the word closest in meaning to temptation as used in the sentence:
The tray of hot jalebis outside the sweet shop was a temptation Ravi could not resist.
a) refusal
b) caution
c) duty
d) lure
Show answer
d) lure. A temptation pulls you towards something, which is what a lure does; caution and refusal push you away.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters to find the word that fits the sentence:
On a rainy Sunday, the ntiotampet to stay in bed all morning was strong.
a) temptation
b) attention
c) termination
d) imitation
Show answer
a) temptation. The jumble has an m and a p but no r, and only one n, which rules out termination and attention.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these is a temptation for someone trying to save money?
a) a school timetable
b) a bank savings passbook
c) a free library card
d) a big sale at a favourite shop
Show answer
d) a big sale at a favourite shop
2. To give in to temptation means to ____.
a) forget what you wanted
b) refuse firmly and walk away
c) do the thing you were trying not to do
d) tempt somebody else instead
Show answer
c) do the thing you were trying not to do
