Appetizing vs. tempting: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Appetizing is specifically related to stimulating appetite or food appeal, while tempting can refer to a broader range of attractions, not limited to food, often with a sense of luring someone toward something appealing yet possibly unwise.
What they have in common
Both words imply attraction, often related to senses; they suggest something is appealing or desirable.
Examples
appetizing
- The aroma of the dish was incredibly appetizing.
- The chef prepared an appetizing spread for the guests.
tempting
- The idea of skipping work was tempting, but he resisted.
- The dessert looked tempting, even though she was full.
Which one is more common?
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