Entice
/ɪnˈtaɪs/
verbB2
Definition
Entice means to make someone want to do something by offering them something good or appealing. It often involves creating interest or desire so that the person is drawn toward a particular action or choice.
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⚡ See It in Action
To attract or persuade someone by offering something appealing
- •The advertisement enticed many customers to try the new product.
- •She was enticed by the promise of a free gift.
- •Bright colors and smells often entice animals to come closer.
To lure or tempt someone into doing something, sometimes with a negative meaning
- •He was enticed into buying a fake watch.
- •The offer was designed to entice people into signing a contract.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "entice" like "invite," but stronger because it includes a reason that makes you want to say yes
- ✓Picture a delicious cake in a shop window that makes you want to buy it
- ✓It's the feeling when you see a fun game and want to play because it looks exciting
- ✓Sounds like "in-TICE" → imagine a mouse being drawn by a tasty piece of cheese (the "tice" sounds like "slice," a slice of cheese)
- ✓Imagine a shopkeeper showing a bright toy to children to make them want it
- ✓NOT like "force" (making someone do something without choice), "entice" is gentle and based on attraction
- ✓NOT like "order" (telling someone to do something), "entice" persuades by offering something nice
- ✓NOT like "ask" (simple request), "entice" includes a reason that makes the offer hard to refuse
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Tempt: to try to make someone want something, often something wrong or bad (Use when there is a risk or negative choice involved)
- •Lure: to attract someone often by trick or promise (Use when the attraction is tricky or less honest)
- •Invite: to ask someone to come or join (Use when there is no special reward or trick, just a polite request)
- •Persuade: to convince someone to do something (Use when the focus is on convincing, not just attracting)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Prefix "en-" means "to cause" or "to put into"
- •Root "tice" comes from Old French "ticer," meaning to allure or tempt
- •Originates from Latin "titillare," meaning to tickle or excite lightly
- •The word developed to mean attracting someone by exciting their interest or desire
- •Today, "entice" is used for both positive and sometimes negative attraction or temptation
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can something be too enticing? How would you know if an offer is good or a trick?
•How do advertisers use enticing words or images to influence people’s choices?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The bright lights and music were meant to entice people ___ the store.
2.She was enticed ___ the idea of a free holiday to sign up for the contest.
3.Unlike a simple invitation, to entice someone you usually offer ___.
4.The salesman tried to entice customers ___ buying extra products they did not need.
5.When you entice someone, you often use words or images that make them feel ___.
6.You cannot force someone to come, but you can entice them by offering ___.
7.If an offer looks too good to be true, it might be trying to entice you ___ something risky.