How to pronounce tempt
Say it like TEMPT. Tempt is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- TEMPT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tempt pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TEMPTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of tempt
American and British speakers say tempt in essentially the same way: /tɛmpt/ in the US and /tɛmpt/ in the UK.
British respelling: TEMPT.
What does tempt mean?
- To provoke someone to do wrong, especially by promising a reward; to entice.“She tempted me to eat the apple.”
- To attract; to allure.“Its glossy skin tempted me.”
- To provoke something; to court.“It would be tempting fate.”
Where does tempt come from?
From Middle English tempten, from Old French tempter (French: tenter), from Latin temptare, from tentare (“to handle, touch, try, test, tempt”), frequentative of tendere (“to stretch”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with tempt
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tempt.
Questions about saying tempt
How do you pronounce tempt?
Say TEMPT. The American pronunciation is /tɛmpt/. In British English it is /tɛmpt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tempt?
Tempt is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: TEMPT.
Do Americans and Brits say tempt the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /tɛmpt/ and the British form is /tɛmpt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.