Delicious dilemmas: "appetizing" vs. "tempting"
Reviewed and edited by
Lloyd Cooper 01/10/2024, 02:19
English.me team member
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What is similar?
Both words imply attraction, often related to senses; they suggest something is appealing or desirable.
What is different?
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.
Which one is more common?
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Examples of usage
Appetizing- The aroma of the dish was incredibly appetizing.
- The chef prepared an appetizing spread for the guests.
- The idea of skipping work was tempting, but he resisted.
- The dessert looked tempting, even though she was full.