entice
What does "entice" mean?
To entice someone is to attract them by offering something pleasant, interesting, or desirable. The mental image is that of a lure, such as a fisherman using bait to draw a fish toward the hook, or a shop window displaying a delicious treat to draw a passerby inside. While "entice" is similar to "persuade," it specifically focuses on the allure of a reward or advantage rather than logical argument. It is often used in professional or persuasive contexts, such as marketing or recruitment, and is frequently followed by the preposition "into" or an infinitive verb.
"entice" in conversation
Recruiting a new hire
We really want Mark to join the team.
We really want Mark to join the team.
Do you think we can entice him with a higher salary?
Do you think we can entice him with a higher salary?
Used here to suggest offering a benefit to sway a decision.
Shopping at a cafe
The smell of these fresh cookies is amazing.
The smell of these fresh cookies is amazing.
They are meant to entice customers to stop by.
They are meant to entice customers to stop by.
Refers to a sensory attraction used to gain attention.
"entice" in a sentence
The smell of baking bread enticed me into the shop.
The smell of baking bread enticed me into the shop.
Many companies use generous benefits to entice top talent to apply for open positions.
Many companies use generous benefits to entice top talent to apply for open positions.
The siren song of the merchant’s wares enticed the weary travelers to abandon their path and spend their last coins.
The siren song of the merchant’s wares enticed the weary travelers to abandon their path and spend their last coins.
