Word: entice

Associations

Entice means to attract someone or something with the promise of something good. It suggests creating a desire for something.

• Example 1: "The smell of fresh cookies can entice children to come into the kitchen." Here, the aroma acts as a lure for the children.
• Example 2: "She tried to entice him with the idea of a great vacation." In this case, the vacation is used to attract him.
• Example 3: "Advertisements entice customers to buy new products." Here, ads are designed to make customers want to purchase.

A well-known synonym for entice is "tempt." The important difference is that "tempt" often implies something that might be seen as a risk (like unhealthy food), while "entice" is more neutral and doesn't necessarily suggest danger or wrongdoing.

Substitution

1. Attract – This word focuses on drawing someone in but does not imply a promise of reward.
2. Lure – This implies a strong attraction but can have a negative connotation, suggesting trickery.
3. Allure – Similar to entice, but more often used in contexts of charm or beauty.

Deconstruction

The word "entice" comes from the Old French word enticer, which means to incite or to encourage. It has roots in the Latin word incitare, meaning to urge on or to drive forward. Thus, it's about sparking interest or desire in someone.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you were enticed to try something new? What was it, and what attracted you?
• How might advertising use enticing language to encourage people to buy products?
• In what situations might enticing someone be seen as negative or manipulative?