seduce
B2neutral
Definition
Meaning
To persuade someone to do something, especially by offering something attractive or pleasing; often specifically to entice someone into sexual activity.
To attract or charm someone into a course of action that may be unwise or immoral; metaphorically, to be drawn to an idea, lifestyle, or opportunity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries connotations of deception, manipulation, or moral ambiguity. The object is usually a person, but can be used figuratively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it typically implies sexual enticement, but can be used metaphorically without sexual context.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
seduce [object]seduce [object] into [verb-ing]be seduced by [agent]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “seduce someone away from something”
- “seduce into a life of crime”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used literally; metaphorically for attracting clients or employees with offers, e.g., 'The company tried to seduce top talent with high salaries.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, psychology, or sociology to discuss themes of temptation, manipulation, or influence.
Everyday
Common in discussions about relationships, advertising, or personal decisions, e.g., 'I was seduced by the idea of a holiday in the sun.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields; more common in humanities and social sciences.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He tried to seduce her with expensive gifts.
- The advertisement seduced many into buying the product.
American English
- She was seduced by the promise of easy money.
- They attempted to seduce voters with false promises.
adverb
British English
- She smiled seductively across the room.
- He spoke seductively about the opportunities abroad.
American English
- The music played seductively in the background.
- He leaned in seductively to whisper in her ear.
adjective
British English
- Her seductive smile was hard to resist.
- The offer was quite seductive.
American English
- He used seductive tactics to win her over.
- The seductive allure of fame can be dangerous.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The chocolate cake looked very seductive.
- He wants to seduce her.
- She was seduced by the idea of living in Paris.
- The salesman tried to seduce customers with free samples.
- Many young people are seduced by the glamour of celebrity life.
- He admitted attempting to seduce his colleague.
- The regime used propaganda to seduce the populace into compliance.
- Her intellect seduced him more than her beauty ever could.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'seduce' as 'see' + 'duce' (like induce); you see something attractive that induces you to act.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASION IS SEDUCTION; ATTRACTION IS A MAGNETIC FORCE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Russian 'соблазнять' can mean both 'tempt' and 'seduce', but 'seduce' often has stronger sexual connotations in English.
- Avoid using 'seduce' for simple attraction; it implies active persuasion or enticement.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'seduce' for inanimate objects incorrectly, e.g., 'The cake seduced me' is metaphorical but acceptable; however, 'The cake seduced me to eat it' might be awkward.
- Confusing 'seduce' with 'induce'; 'induce' is more general and less charged.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the core meaning of 'seduce'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often used in sexual contexts, 'seduce' can also be used metaphorically to mean enticing someone into any action through attraction or persuasion.
Yes, it can be used positively when referring to being charm or attracted to something good, but it often carries a negative connotation of manipulation or deception.
The noun form is 'seduction'.
'Seduce' often implies a more active and deliberate attempt to persuade, often with sexual overtones, while 'tempt' is broader and can involve any attraction to something desirable, without necessarily implying manipulation.